Landowner taken to court by scientist over ‘noisy’ shooting
AN ESTATE owner has been hauled into court after his neighbour complained that shooting events on his grounds were “too noisy”.
William Tyrwhitt-drake, who has family links to Sir Francis Drake, is said to have disturbed the “tranquil” South Downs with his game and clay shoots.
The 76-year-old is opposing a noise abatement order brought about by his neighbour Dr Charles Gillies O’bryantear, a pharmaceutical executive.
Dr O’bryan-tear, 63, has claimed guns on Mr Tyrwhitt-drake’s shoots create so much noise they are a “nuisance” and an expert told a court “the level of intrusion is substantial”.
Mr Tyrwhitt-drake, whose ancestor was a godson of Sir Francis Drake, owns the 2,500-acre Bereleigh Estate in the South Downs National Park.
Mr Tyrwhitt-drake, with relatives Thomas and Edward, hosts shooting events at the estate. Groups, parties and businesses often visit from London to the retreat in East Meon, Hants, to enjoy country pursuits.
Regularly described as being one of “the 20 best pheasant shoots in the UK”, the estate claims to offer “unrivalled” game and clay pigeon shooting.
Sitting on the edge of Mr Tyrwhittdrake’s land is Dr O’bryan-tear’s £2 million seven-bedroom home, where he says he is disturbed by the gun shots. Dr O’bryan-tear has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for more than 30 years and now acts as an expert adviser to firms worldwide.
Portsmouth magistrates’ court heard his complaints relate to noises between July 2016 and January 2017.
Peter Rogers, a noise acoustic expert, told the court there was a disturbance to the “tranquil environment” after undertaking 15 visits to the site when shooting was taking place.
Mr Rogers said: “It is important to consider whether the impact is intolerable and causes considerable disruption to what people endure. People don’t know when the shooting will start or stop and when they will have to stop what they are doing and go inside.
“The level of intrusion is substantial and this is my view following my 25 years’ experience.”
He added: “To give an example, planning permission would not normally be granted at the level of noise from the gun shooting. I conclude there is a nuisance in my opinion.”
However, John Grant, Mr Tyrwhittdrake’s own sound expert, told the court the noise was within reasonable levels. The trial continues.