PLANS for a proposed gun shop in Torfaen were shot down by councillors at a planning committee this week.

Following an enforcement complaint in March 2016, Torfaen County Borough Council were made aware that a gun shop had opened in the Pontnewydd area without planning permission.

The unit was previously classed as 'industrial use' and a change of use to an ‘A1’ retail use was required.

This was later received, in a retrospective planning application, under the brand ‘The Gunshop UK’, based at Croftwick House on Chapel Street.

Three objection letters, along with comments from community councillor Bob Jones were received as a result, expressing concerns about parking on the site and the sale of firearms, ammunition and hunting knives.

The security of the building was also listed as a major concern, with the sale of weaponry in an urban location and residential area, which includes a primary school, called b“unwise” and “unnerving”.

Cllr Jessica Powell, of the Pontnewydd ward, said: “I know public perception of fear is not really an acceptable planning consideration but it’s quite pertinent.

“This is right next to a residential area and there is a school round the back, so there is a lot of concern. I agree it’s worrying.

“Linking to the perception of fear, this was set up and nobody knew about it. Members didn’t know about it and the planning office didn’t know about it until it was called in by a member of the public.”

Cllr Stuart Evans and Philip Seabourne also expressed concern over the storage and security of the shops’ materials, which includes live ammunition.

Principal planner Helen Smith said that she had spoken with Gwent Police and confirmed that the applicant had the necessary licence to sell firearms.

But the planning committee chairman, cllr Brian Mawby, launched a motion for refusal which was seconded by cllr Philip Seabourne.

Mr Mawby outlined the reasons for refusal as “not seeing good reasons for changing the shop from industrial use to retail use”.

He added that “parking issues were not addressed to our satisfaction as a committee".

The committee voted in majority to refuse the application. A report on the reasons for refusal will be discussed at a future meeting.