Guns will be sold from a former toilet block next to a pub near Faversham despite fears it could create “civil disorder”.

Opponents to the controversial proposal gave both barrels to Swale councillors at a meeting this week, but the committee called the shots and approved the conversion of the outbuilding into a shop.

The block - next to the Red Lion in Dunkirk - is now set to be home to a store selling sporting goods, including firearms and ammunition.

The application was filed by Kent Gunsmiths Limited owner Neil May, who lives in the pub. He wants to move his business from Cleve Hill Farm in Graveney to the village, but the plans triggered objections from worried neighbours.

Fears of “civil disorder” and the potential for an “easy escape” via the A2 should the site be raided were among concerns raised by Dunkirk Parish Council.

A representation from neighbour Ray Leader added: “We strongly believe that both the area and the building itself is not suitable for this usage due to the remote location and security of the building.

“The introduction of this gun shop greatly concerns residents for their safety.”

Dunkirk Parish Council did not object to the change of use to retail, but did oppose the sale of guns and ammunition.

A statement from the authority following a discussion between councillors said: “Concerns were raised on the proximity of weapons to licensed premises, which could lead to civil disorder.

“There is access to the A2 arterial roadway, only a few metres away, and the ease of escape (if raided) must be considered.”

In his application, however, Mr May defended moving his shop onto the pub’s grounds.

He said: “This application would be more viable for my business to survive.

“My partner (owner’s daughter) and I currently live at the premises (not in the building purposed) and change of use would enable better security and keep the business in the family with The Red Lion benefitting from the additional income.

“I feel the site proposed would make good use of a disused unfunctional building in danger of falling into a state of disrepair.

“The location currently has a high presence of agricultural and farming businesses local that would potentially benefit from the additional customers my businesses would bring to the area as they have similar interests.”

“Concerns were raised on the proximity of weapons to licensed premises, which could lead to civil disorder..." - Dunkirk Parish Council

Swale Borough Council’s planning committee was told the approval needed was concerning only a change of use to retail, with any safety issues a matter for police.

Planning officer Graham Thomas said: “The applicant has applied for a change of use from old pub toilet, if you like, to selling goods. They could be shoes, or cabbages or shotguns.

“If you have a shop that sells cabbages or shoes, you could sell guns tomorrow without planning permission. You would need to go to the police and get a licensing arrangement.”

The plans were brought before the committee at the request of Cllr Tim Valentine, who shared concerns about security.

“When reading the application (it says) that they would require security for the police licensing, but I don’t see anything that tells us what those security measures would be,” he said.

In response, Mr Thomas said: “I don’t really think that is something we need to be involved in.”

The committee voted by 14 to three for approval.

The shop will open from 9am until 5.30pm weekdays, and 9am until 3pm on Saturdays, staying shut on Sundays and bank holidays.

An appropriate licence from Kent Police would be required to sell guns or ammunition.

KentOnline made unsuccessful attempts to contact Mr May for a comment.

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