IW High-Flying Shoot Planned

Published: 27 March 2009 Isle of Wight County Press

TOP-NOTCH facilities designed to bring well-heeled shooting enthusiasts from across the globe to the Bowcombe Estate at Shorwell have been approved by councillors.

The Isle of Wight Council planning committee unanimously gave approval for a collection of redundant buildings at New Barn Farm to be knocked down and replaced with a luxury seasonal shooting lodge, providing accommodation for parties of up to 20 people.

The accommodation is designed to be used as tourist accommodation outside the shooting season, Tuesday’s meeting was told.

Deputy head of services for development Phil Salmon said at present there were between 25 and 35 shooting days in a season at Shorwell.

Employment was provided for two full-time gamekeepers and 35 casual staff, including beaters.

"The estate has some of the best shooting in the south of England but experts have advised that what it lacks is accommodation,” he said.

He said the application was supported by the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty  (AONB) Partnership, which pointed to there being an overall reduction in buildings of 23 per cent in an important part of the AONB.

James Attrill, from architects’ practice Christopher Scott, said that, for 150 years the estate had been managed for game and had been recognised nationally and internationally for many years.

Land agent for the shoot Henry McCowen said after the meeting: “We would hope it would be ready for the start of the September 2010 season.

“We believe the most stunning location on the Isle of Wight will be the best shoot in the country and attract enthusiasts from the UK and abroad.”