Plans to transform abandoned UK theme park unveiled – 13 years after iconic site left to rot
Story Homes have put forward an outline planning application to Chorley Council for
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Story Homes have submitted plans to build on site of abandoned theme park
Credit: chorley.gov.uk
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Up to 350 new homes are anticipated to be built
Credit: chorley.gov.uk
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Camelot Theme Park shut its doors to the public in 2012
Credit: CHRIS NEILL
The once thriving
The plans consist of building up to 350 new homes as well as a dedicated community hub which would offer space for co-working, meetings, and activities for local groups.
Siobhan Sweeney, North West Land Manager for Story Homes, told
'Our proposal not only addresses the strong demand for high-quality, affordable homes in Chorley but also places emphasis on sustainability and community investment.
UK News
She added: 'Through the delivery of affordable homes, investment in green infrastructure, and the creation of new community spaces, we're committed to ensuring that this scheme supports local people and enhances the wider area.'
However, local residents don't all share Sweeney's enthusiasm for the project.
They object to the use of the
Heskin resident, Sue Warburton, 57, told The Sun previously: 'The reason I moved here was to live in the countryside.
Most read in The Sun
'There used to be a reason not to build on greenbelt because there's not enough countryside.
'And I don't want to see trees cut down for new homes.'
Abandoned EFL stadium left to rot with pitch covered in weeds just five years after hosting final match
Locals also fear that there is not 'sufficient infrastructure' such as schools and doctors to meet the demands of these new homes.
One couple claimed it was 'impossible' to get an appointment with their local GP already and the addition of 350 homes would only make the situation worse.
Theme park
The abandoned theme park once enthralled punters with rides and restaurants inspired by the mythical king, the Knights of the Round Table and Arthur's legendary sword Excalibur for 29 years.
It even boasted a live jousting ring.
Local legend has it that the area was once covered by the largest freshwater lake in England, Martin Mere, until it was drained in 1692.
The story goes that Sir Lancelot's parents, King Ban of Benwich and his queen Elaine, escaped to Lancashire from their sworn enemies in France.
Elaine helped King Ban, who had fallen and briefly left her son, Lancelot, on the shore of the lake, where he was abducted by a nymph, Vivian, who vanished into the depths of the lake with him.
Nymph Vivian raised Lancelot as her own, and he was later knighted "Sir Lancelot of the Lake."
After being bulldozed in 2020, eerie overhead images showed decapitated statues, rusty roller coasters and restaurants overgrown with vines.
Perhaps the most spooky are the sinister medieval canopies where jousting was once hosted.
Since its closure, it's only been used for the occasional live-action zombie horror experiences, commercialising the spooky scene.
Prior to submitting the planning application, last month Story Homes approached Chorley Borough Council with a 'Screening Opinion' request to identify environmental issues before requesting a full planning application for a spanking new village.
They claimed at the time that the planned housing development would blend seamlessly with the local landscape.
Comments from the public can be submitted via the council's planning portal until July 25.
What are your rights?
By Summer Raemason
Every planning application submitted to a local authority must undergo a period of public consultation which varies in length between three and eight weeks.
Most councils publish details of planning applications on their websites.
You can find the website address for your local planning authority on the Planning Portal.
Alternatively, open applications can be viewed at your local town hall and the offices of your local planning authority.
The Planning Portal does not offer the facility to comment on applications directly.
Therefore you will need to contact your local planning authority if you want to have your say on a planning application in your area.
There are a number of ways to do this:
If you are a neighbour affected by a planning application the local planning authority will either notify you directly or display a site notice on or near the land to which the application relates.
You could contact the planning offices of your local authority to involve yourself in the consultation process.
The local planning authority may offer a service on its website.
You are allowed to attend planning committee meetings to hear applications being considered.
You are also allowed to have your say at these meetings but you must notify the council in advance of the meeting.
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Residents fear they don't have the infrastructure to meet the demands of so many new homes
Credit: CHRIS NEILL
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Story Homes hope this development will enhance the wider area
Credit: CHRIS NEILL
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This comes 13 years after the site was left to rot
Credit: chorley.gov.uk
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The entrance to the abandoned Camelot Theme park
Credit: SWNS:South West News Service
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Graffiti now cakes the theme park, which was once a favourite with kids
Credit: Donna Clifford/ Magnus News
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