South England Tactical Gun Range, in Ash Park Business Centre, opened its doors in June, offering target shooting, axe throwing, and close-quarter battle programmes.
However, the range suddenly shut its doors in December without an explanation, moving equipment out of the unit, according to residents.
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The range was the subject of an investigation by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for possible breach of planning conditions related to the unit’s opening hours and usage.
Unit 4b, where the gun range is located in the business park, was formerly used by tent manufacturing company 10×15 Structures, with the unit classified for general industrial, storage and distribution usage.
The gun range was permitted to open from 7.30am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, 8am to 1pm on Saturdays and ‘at no other times on a Sunday or public holiday’ according to the site’s most recent planning reference from June 2015.
Operated by UK Tactical Training Group, the range promised to bring ‘unique shooting experiences’. Established in 2017, the group opened its first site in North Wales.
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The group’s ranges are the only locations in the UK authorised to carry out the type of training utilised at the ranges which includes teaching members of the public tactical skills and firearms safety.
A spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council confirmed: “The council’s planning enforcement team was investigating an alleged breach of planning relating to the use of a building at Ash Park Business Centre. “In early December, the council was advised that the company no longer occupied the building, and this was subsequently confirmed by a site visit. The planning enforcement case has therefore been closed.”
The Gazette contacted South England Tactical Gun Range who did not respond to requests for comment