PLANS to site a new paintballing arena in woodland close to a bridle path on Burley-in-Wharfedale farmland have been rejected by Bradford Council planners.

Bradford-based outdoor activities business To The Full has failed to win planning permission to use the privately-owned Catton Woods, which is located in a rural spot to the west of the village, as a paintballing leisure facility.

The company operates outdoor adventure activity experiences at various locations in Yorkshire, and argued the scheme would help local business and add to the recreational attractions of the Bradford District.

Fears were raised that stray paintballs – which are fired from pressurised gas-powered “marker” guns – could hit passing horses, risking serious injuries to riders.

Train operating companies body, National Rail also raised concern about the paintballing area being near to the Wharfedale Line, and called for conditions for special fencing to be put up.

A total of 59 people objected to the plans, while 45 wrote to Bradford Council in support of the scheme.

It was rejected by Bradford Council’s Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel yesterday, following a recommendation to refuse the application by planning officers.

Officers said the activity, together with the constructions, access and parking needed for the facility would cause damage to woodland, harm to the nature conservation interest of the woodland, and adversely affect the overall character of the landscape.

The site is not far from Rombalds Moor, and also near to Sun Lane Nature Reserve.

A public bridleway runs close to the woods and the current access track The officers’ report said: “The Rights of Way Officer is concerned that there could be a risk of pedestrians, cyclists or horse riders using the public bridleway that passes the edge of the site being hit and injured by stray paintballs.

“If a horse was hit by a stray paintball and bolted this could result in significant injuries.”

The officer called for UK Paintball Sports Federation-approved safety netting to be inspected regularly, if the plan were to be approved, to prevent stray paintballs from leaving the woods area.

Burley Parish Council objected on the grounds of noise pollution, along with inappropriate green belt use, the impact on biodiversity, and affect on other recreation users of the countryside area.