Chester-le-Street councillors have deferred their decision on whether to allow paintball games in an area of tight security near judges' lodgings.
Plans have been submitted to increase the number of paintballing games played in woodland near Plawsworth from 28 days a year to 75.
The proposal has raised objections from the Court Service, as the area lies not far from accommodation set aside for visiting judges presiding over North-East cases.
Durham Police have not objected to the proposals, but have informed Chester-le-Street District Council that if the public report seeing people in camouflage clothing carrying guns, it could result in an armed police response team being sent to the area.
No other objections have been received by the council, which deferred a decision on granting planning permission at a meeting on Monday.
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