PLANS to improve facilities at Christchurch Gun Club were approved by councillors on Thursday evening, despite concerns from residents.

The improvements include the replacement of the existing firing range, which will be an enclosed structure with sound proofing.

Officials have reassured residents the plans are not a way to increase the amount of shooting at the site, or boost membership.

The application was referred to the planning committee, due to the number of objections from the community.

One resident, representing West Christchurch Residents Association, spoke against the plans, while planning agent, Ken Parke, spoke in support of the scheme.

After the meeting, Mr Parke told the Daily Echo: "There was a bit of confusion around the application where objections were in reaction to the gun club itself.

"The application was for a replacement building with no increase in activity and once members got that, it was quite straightforward.

"They welcomed the improvements that were being made and welcomed the engagement of the gun club with the local community."

Councillors agreed the plans, which were recommended for approval by officers, despite the 14 letters of objection.

Residents raised concerns saying there is a "constant noise of gunfire, which appears to be a daily event during summer months."

They were also concerned about an increase in traffic on rural Sandy Lane and more activity on the site leading to 'additional noise pollution'.

But chairman of the club, Alan Cummings, said there wouldn't be extra facilities or shooting.

The club is also looking at using CCTV, due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

He said they 'wanted to work with residents'.

Proposals for acoustic foam to be used to sound proof the building, potentially reducing the levels of noise were also included.

The gun club's site off Sandy Lane is an old gravel pit, which is bordered by dense tree cover, with the nearest residential properties around 180 metres away, a planning report said.

The new structure will be placed on the same site as the existing, and will be 'marginally' bigger in size.

No more than 12 people can shoot at any one time, with this capacity not set to increase.