The Royal Berkshire Shooting School in Pangbourne has lodged an appeal after West Berkshire Council refused permission for it to expand.
The site is owned by James Purdey & Sons Ltd, the famous London gun maker. Purdey guns are regarded as some of the best in the world for their bespoke craftsmanship and engraving, and have long attracted royal patrons including Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and King Charles III. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are also recent patrons, opening a new shop at the Pangbourne site in November, 2025.
The shooting school, which opened in 1995, wants to expand its shooting area and grow the restaurant and hospitality side of the business. The council refused the planning application in January, saying the proposal would intensify and expand commercial recreational use in open countryside and that the economic benefits were not enough to justify approval.
Councillors also raised concerns about extra traffic on Hook End Lane and additional noise from an expanded shooting operation at the Tomb Farm site, which they say would reduce tranquillity in the area.
A previous appeal had secured the use of the original farm building as a clubhouse and the former stables as storage after an inspector judged those permanent changes appropriate and reasonable.
This latest proposal would add a second shooting valley on land rising north‑west from the existing lodge to provide an alternative layout. The applicant says it does not seek to increase the number of shooters, the ratio of shooters or the hours already allowed.
The appeal highlights planning permission already granted for works to the main lodge, including a large restaurant area, and seeks consent to host hospitality events year‑round to make use of the improved facilities. No physical changes to the lodge are required for this extension of use.
The appellant also wants more flexible use of the marquee; late evening activities are no longer proposed.
In its appeal case the school says the plans would give an important boost to the rural economy by improving facilities and supporting the wider shooting industry in the UK. It argues the proposal would result in a 'commensurate increase' to its contribution to the shooting supply chain through retention and growth of equivalent full‑time jobs, increased shooter spend within the supply chain and more direct and indirect spending from higher site revenues.
The matter now sits with the planning inspector.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
