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An air rifle range has been proposed for an industrial estate unit in Pontllanfraith.

Applicant David James has proposed converting the unit into a “mixed-use leisure” space featuring an indoor range, a “burger restaurant and dessert cafe”, and a public gaming area for pool and electronic games.

Planning documents show the 30-yard firing range would run under “strict” safety protocols, and under-18s would only be allowed to use air rifles under supervision and with parental consent, in line with firearms laws.

The range would accommodate a maximum of six people at a time, and the proposed opening hours would be from 9am to 10pm at Unit 13, Penmaen Industrial Estate.

The new venture could also create ten jobs, and represents “a sustainable and beneficial reuse of an existing industrial unit, contributing to local leisure provision, employment and community wellbeing”, planning agents at Creation Design-Wales said in a supporting statement.

National planning policies require applicants to consider town-centre locations before looking at out-of-town developments.

In this case, the agents said the applicant had “looked extensively” in the area but “nothing was found suitable” to house the range in or around Blackwood town centre.

They also argued a shooting range was “not considered suitable for a town-centre location” and said other similar businesses in England were located on industrial estates.

The agents also argued ranges must comply with “strict safety standards, making rural or industrial sites easier to secure”.

The application is currently under consideration, and can be viewed on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website under reference 25/0765/COU.