Chester sheriff doesn't get his range

Chester County Sheriff Robby Benson’s plans to build a firing range behind Chester State Park were shot down Tuesday night by Chester County zoning officials.

The county’s Zoning Board of Appeals voted to deny Benson’s request to build a shooting range and obstacle course at a 10-acre site on Ashford Road about two miles from the J.A. Cochran Bypass.

Board members didn't give a reason for their decision during the meeting, but several local residents voiced fears about the possibility of stray bullets striking park visitors or neighbors.

Ironically, several other county residents also told the board about their frustration with its decision earlier this year to allow two men to open a clay shooting range in the eastern part of the county near S.C. 901.

The board's decision in that matter has been challenged by Bill Hunter, who lives near the proposed range and believes the board erred in signing off on a shooting range when the property in question had not been purchased by the men who plan to build the facility.

One of the men, Dean Brady, bought the land last month, according to county records.

Hunter's appeal was filed with the Chester County Clerk of Court last month. The case could be heard as early as next month, although no date has been set.