Scottish Government consultation - change to planning laws in respect of temporary shooting ranges involving fixed targets.

The SG have published a consultation in respect of planning matters for temporary ranges involving fixed targets.  The following link refers.  Permitted Development Rights review - phase 3: consultation - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The section which impacts upon temporary ranges can be found at paragraph 6.2.

Colleagues from target shooting and fields sports disciplines met with SG officials on 14 June 2023 to ascertain the potential impacts upon shooting activities.

The headlines from the meeting are that the consultation is a high level asking of a question – is there a need for change and if so, what would that look like.  The SG are seeking answers in the consultation to these types of questions.  It is important to note that this refers to development, which is defined in The Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 as “the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land , or the making of any material change in the use of any other buildings or other land”.  Small scale, temporary activities such as the zeroing of rifles are unlikely to be affected.

That said, it is important to recognise potential threats.  Will this consultation be subject to mission creep – by asking the question will it be expanded due to the answers.  If changes are introduced how effective will guidance be to 32 differing unitary authorities who may have a differing interpretation of guidance and may be anti-shooting?

In short, it is important that members respond to this consultation.  We will be answering the consultation organisationally however in the meantime, we would encourage members to address the consultation individually.  If you need any advice in respect of this, please don’t hesitate to phone the office.