PLANS to build a £50,000 indoor archery centre in Burnham-on-Sea have been backed by town councillors.

Burnham Company of Archers submitted a planning application to build an indoor archery range on their site.

If approved, the new archery range, which will be based at the club's site near Stoddens Road, will be 8.55m wide and 33.3m long, allowing archers to shoot at the maximum indoor distance of 25m.

Councillors from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council's planning committee considered the application for a second time on May 16 after a number of residents expressed concerns that there would be noise from the site.

The archery club amended their planning application and relocated the proposed indoor site to the east side of the archery field so residents will not be disturbed by noise from the site.

Councillors voted unanimously to back the proposal as they said they think it will benefit the community.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr John Parkes, said: "I look to support any application that provides an additional sports facility in our locality and I'm sure that this will be fully utilised by the archery community and others looking to begin participating in the sport."

The club currently has the use of its own field in the Burnham Association of Sports Clubs site but in the winter they sometimes struggle to shoot due to the weather.

Adam Joyce from Burnham Company of Archers said having an indoor facility would allow the club to operate all year round and it would provide a 'better service for the community'.

"At the club we all feel very optimistic over the recent news about our planned indoor archery facility," Adam said.

"Archery is one of the few sports that allow different generations to participate alongside each other, and we have many families that are enjoying the sport, including one that covers three generations.

"It also allows people new to the sport to find themselves alongside world class athletes.

"Currently within the club membership, we have a Paralympian Gold medallist, Jo Firth MBE, and also a Junior Archer with multiple national title.

"While these and others are shooting amongst the worlds elite, other members just shoot for fun and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere within the club."

Adam said the club has a 'substantial' waiting list which means people may have to wait for up to a year to join the club.

"The long delay occurs because the inadequate winter indoor facilities restrict the number of beginners that can be accommodated, and new members can join only if they have completed a recognised beginners course.

"The indoor centre would remove this restriction, allowing the club to increase its membership, and improving the quality of experience for existing members."

Adam said the club has already raised the £50,000 needed to complete the project and if the plans are approved the club will be applying for grant funding.

"We would urge anyone who would like to support this initiative to contact us," Adam said.

"We are looking forward to the future."

Councillors voted unanimously to back the proposal but the final decision will rest with Sedgemoor District Council. 

For more information visit burnhamcompanyofarchers.co.uk/