LAKEWOOD RANCH — Ancient Oak Gun Club received the permit it needed to operate a firing range on a 532-acre sod farm near S.R. 64.

A special hearing officer approved a special permit for the firing range after determining that the range will not exceed noise limits at the edges of the property and that the proposed range is a "sport shooting range" designed to encourage the safe handling of firearms.

"Based upon the location of the sport shooting range, the establishment, maintenance or operation of the proposed use is not detrimental to and does not endanger the public health, safety or general welfare," according to the county's notice of intent to approve the permit.

The county also found that the range fits in with the agricultural character of the surrounding area.

The hours of operation at the shooting complex will be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.