AN appeal has been lodged against the failed bid to turn Old Park Farm in Kingsley into a paintballing and quad-biking centre. Blaber Enterprises hope that with the withdrawal of its controversial moto- paragliding, the plans will get the go ahead. The appellant felt that the majority of the objections were regarding the moto- paragliding, which many believe would cause a great noise and visual nuisance. A public hearing began at the Kingsley Centre last week, but was quickly adjourned when it was revealed that the moto-paragliding had been dropped from the appeal and not all parties had been made aware of this development. The plans originally ran into difficulty last year when many people opposed the project. More than 70 letters of objection were submitted to EHDC and the parish council recommnded refusal. Keith Oliver, the application's case officer, reported that "the proposal is to establish a number of activities on the site. This would entail the erection of a new timber building at the farm itself and the use of a field to the north-east of farm for quad-biking, paintballing and moto-paragliding. "The business would be geared towards the corporate market, which is anticipated would form 40 per cent of the business. The quad bikes and paintballing would also be marketed locally within an area of up to one hour's drive distance." The applicant believed that the development would benefit the area bringing more custom for hoteliers and caterers. However the residents were strongly opposed to the idea because they were worried that the venture would be too noisy and a general nuisance in Kingsley. The parish council, allied with the neighbouring Binstead Parish Council, objected to the proposal, arguing that there was no need for the activity centre because similar facilities existed elsewhere in the district. They also feared for welfare of the local wildlife, the councils said such action would only harm the natural habitats of animals such as badgers, deer, foxes, partridges and owls. An archaeological and ecology officer also mentioned some concerns about the plans. He believed that the site could impact upon the tranquility of the area and considered the plans inappropriate. The application was refused because there was not enough evidence to indicate a need for such a centre in a rural area which had poor transport links and could cause a noise nuisance to walkers using the two adjacent footpaths. A public inquiry for the planning appeal will be held at a date to be set.
