Development plans lodged for a new firearms shop in Coffs Harbour

Plans have been lodged with Coffs Harbour City Council to open another gun shop on the Coffs Coast.

Man holding shotgun, mid section, close-up of hand. Gun. Rifle. Generic image.

The Coffs Coast may soon be home to another gun shop if development plans are approved.

A development application with Coffs Harbour City Council proposes to establish a “rural supplies operation” stocking firearms in Industrial Drive.

The documents submitted by planning consultants Geoff Smyth & Associates on behalf of an undisclosed proponent state the operation would primarily be based on online orders for firearms.

“I am advised that the firearms are to be provided to farmers as part of management of rural farming properties,” Mr Smyth stated in a cover letter to Council.

These orders would be delivered to the industrial bay where they are assembled or packaged, and would then be couriered or collected by the purchaser.

It is also proposed that the operations would include firearms repairs and manufacture, with two employees on site.

There has however, been some disagreement between Council and the applicant since the plans were lodged, with Council’s planners sharing concerns the supply of firearms alone did not constitute the proposal as a ‘rural supplies business.’

The DA was later amended to include the supply of fencing pickets, fencing wire, grain seeds, hay, gates and hinges, motorbike and quad display as well as oils and pumps.

“While I do not agree with the Council interpretation, the proponents of the business have agreed to incorporate other rural supply uses,” Mr Smyth stated.

The Coffs Coast is already home to other firearms dealerships in the Marcia St area.

In data obtained by the NSW Greens, it was revealed that there were 1,301 registered firearms owners residing within the 2450 postcode (Coffs Harbour) and 6,399 firearms.

The DA is currently on public exhibition and submissions are being accepted until June 22.