Expansion blow for theme park (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Expansion blow for theme park

3:27pm Thursday 30th October 2008

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MAJOR expansion plans, which would have seen accommodation built at a theme park in the region, appear to be in tatters after it lost an appeal over planning permission.

Lightwater Valley, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, wanted to build 204 caravans, 136 lodges, a reception complex and a wet weather shelter, on land adjoining the theme park.

An appeal against Harrogate Borough Council’s decision to refuse the application was dismissed on Wednesday, after a public inquiry.

Disappointed theme park bosses are now in discussions with advisors about whether to make a renewed application.

The proposals went to a public inquiry last month, after members of the borough council, which covers Ripon, refused planning permission for the development.

During the inquiry, it was claimed the park could face an uncertain future if the plans did not go ahead.

The council had said the plan would significantly change the character of the surrounding open countryside.

It also had concerns about public transport connections.

Mark Bainbridge, the theme park’s director and general manager, said: "We worked tirelessly at putting these plans together, taking everyone’s concerns and comments into consideration.

"We needed this decision to go in our favour.

"It is disappointing for existing staff, for the local community in terms of job opportunities and for suppliers."

Mr Bainbridge said other attractions and traders would have seen "considerable benefits" from the development, if it had been approved.

A spokesman for the theme park said more than 10,000 public signatures and numerous letters from industry operators had been received in support of the plans.

He said: "The aim of the development was to ensure that Lightwater Valley remained competitive.

"We are committed to maintaining the theme park and retail village as an important tourist attraction and employer in the region and have made provisional plans to make alternative investments in the park over the coming years."

In her report, in which the appeal was dismissed, planning inspector K.A. Ellison wrote: "There can be little doubt that substantial economic gains would flow from the provision of holiday accommodation, but the direct benefits to the theme park appear to be quite limited in proportion to the overall scale of the proposal.

"This, in turn, raises further questions as to whether it would secure the long term future of the existing business.

"Taking all of these matters into account, I consider that the economic benefits of the proposal have not been shown to be sufficient to outweigh the adverse effects on matters of landscape and sustainability."

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