Part of a farm could be converted into an outdoor laser combat arena, if permission is granted. Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 The Pardoe family, which has farmed the site near Stourbridge since the 1950s, wants to turn part of the land into an open-air laser combat centre. The family's spokesman said it was necessary to diversify it was becoming hard to rely entirely on farming as a sole source of income.
The scheme, at Iverley Hay Farm will also see neighbouring land used as a car park and toilet block. Chartered town planner Mike Parker, speaking on behalf of L Pardoe and Sons Ltd, said the proposals would have no adverse impact on wildlife in the area. The farm is located in Crown Lane, off the A451 Kidderminster Road.
Mr Parker said the plan would cover a two-and-a-quarter acre site, used at present for grazing horses, and classified as being of 'good-to-moderate' quality for agriculture. Just over half the land would be used used for combat activities, featuring an open grassed area and various moveable ‘obstacles’ such as bales of straw, fence panels, stacked pallets and tractor tyres placed on the land. "Accessed from the existing track to the farm from Crown Lane, would be a small car park for 25 cars," he said.
Mr Parker said the site would be used at weekends from March to October, opening at 9am, and closing at 7pm during the summer months. The applicant would hold up to four two-hour sessions a day, each made up of three 2.