A FARMING business in Worcestershire will target the world of leisure and entertainment with an expansion of its business over the next two years.

Park Farm, Main Road, Ombersley, near Droitwich, which is owned by Lord Sandys and run by the Sanders family, is to become a regular venue for clay pigeon shooting.

Wychavon District Council approved an application for change of use to allow clay pigeon shoots to take place for up to three days a week on no more than 100 days a year. Shooting would be limited to five hours a day. Shooting has been taking place on the land for the past two years on a limited basis.

The application prompted a number of objections. Despite only one complaint about the noise during the past two years, there were five letters from villagers objecting to the application.

However, in a report to the council's planning committee, officer Mike Hurst said the farmer was pursuing his personal hobby into an income-generating scheme which was in line with farm diversification policies.

"Shoots organised to date have proved popular and successful." He said other village businesses such as pubs and restaurants had benefited from the shoots.