One of the largest clay target facilities in the UK that is expected to close down later this year due to ‘noise pollution’ has been granted planning permission to transform the site into a luxury holiday park.

Mid Wales Shooting Centre owner Jonathan Williams has had his application to convert the existing facility at Ffinnant Farm near Trefeglwys into a five-star holiday park approved by Powys County Council planning officers.

The shooting centre is one of Mid Wales’ best known sporting facilities which has hosted national and international events.

Permission has been granted to set up 65 holiday lodges, 72 static caravans and 70 touring pitches at the site.

A building that houses the clubhouse, shop and restaurant is proposed to remain on the site.

Powys County Council received eight letters from the public expressing their opinions on the plans.

Four letters supporting the application said it would be good for the economy, tourism and job creation in the area.

Two letters raised concerns over the scale and noise of the development, noise including light pollution, impact on road traffic and the proximity of caravans to neighbouring properties.

Powys Ramblers group wrote a letter asking that consideration should be given to diverting a footpath or ensuring that it remains open and unobstructed at all times to the public.

Last year Trefeglwys Community Council raised concerns over the closure of the shooting ground due to the issue of noise.

Council chairman Morris Smith said he felt “more should have been done to help them keep the business open in the community”.

Former Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies also expressed his disappointment that the shooting centre would close.

He said: “I’m really sad that local objections to noise is likely to close the Shooting Centre down.

“I’ll do all I can to help the Williams family establish an alternative business on the site to serve tourism industry and create employment”