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Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Abandoned UK theme park worth £800m to transform but not everyone's happy
A huge theme park that once attracted half a million visitors in a single year has been left to rot for over a decade. However, it could soon be transformed into something completely different A creepy, abandoned theme park that has been left to rot for 13 years could finally be handed a fresh breath of life. Constructed back in 1983, and themed around the legends of King Arthur, the Magical Kingdom of Camelot attracted a staggering 500,000 annual visitors back in its heyday. Renowned for its grand white castle entrance, the theme park - which went through several ownerships - boasted several scream-inducing rides and roller coasters including Whirlwind and Excalibur. The Knightmare roller coaster, which came to the park towards the end of 2006, is believed to have cost £3 million to build - and quickly became one of the most beloved attractions at the park. However, as the years went on - Camelot's popularity started to plummet. By 2005, the theme park, located in Chorley, Lancashire, was only attracting around 336,000 annual visitors - and in 2012, it closed to the public for good. Experts over at Together Money, who offer mortgage and loan products, valued Camelot Theme Park - which sits on some 140 acres - at a whopping £800 million. It's therefore no surprise the abandoned site has attracted the attention of property developers, namely Story Homes who want to build a huge housing estate on the land. The company applied to bulldoze the theme park and build similar schemes back in 2017 and 2019, but both applications were refused over objections on the use of greenbelt land. However, developers have submitted a fresh application to Chorley Council outlining their plans to construct a mega residential development. This consists of up to 350 homes (50 per cent of which would be classed as affordable), a 186.9 square metre community hub, along with 'associated habitat creation, landscaping, open space, parking, footpaths, cycleways, drainage and other infrastructure'. "The vision for the site is to deliver a development that provides an exceptional quality of place, underpinned by the highest standards of design and sensitive placemaking," the supporting planning application statement reads. "The proposed development will deliver the homes that people need, responding to the acute housing and affordability crisis in the Borough by delivering the type, tenure and quality of market and affordable housing, alongside community infrastructure, that will create and support a new community. "The vision for the site is supported by a generous landscape led masterplan that respects the wider Green Belt and woodland context and provides new green spaces, green infrastructure and habitats as a fundamental element of a new landscape framework." At the time of writing, the planning application has received a dozen public comments - with the overwhelming majority slamming the proposals. One furious resident said it would 'destroy' the local villages, adding: "There's absolutely no benefit to this except a money grab for a small group of people. This needs rejecting permanently what an absolute disgrace." They argued such construction would 'destroy wildlife, overload services, increase traffic and lower village house prices'. Another agreed, scathing: "I formally object to the proposed development of 350 houses on the grounds of its significant and detrimental impact on the local area. The development would dramatically increase vehicle traffic on narrow, rural roads that aren't designed to accommodate such volumes. This would lead to a rise in noise pollution and pose safety risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and existing residents." Others argued the development would put too much constraint on local amenities and lead to overcrowding - suggesting the site should be turned into a leisure development instead. However, not everybody seemed to disagree with the application. One person commented: "There are too many keyboard warriors who don't know the facts and basically don't want any more housing in the area. As long as the development is sympathetic to the local nature, I think it is an ideal use of a brownfield site." First Homes has published noise impact, air quality, transport, and preliminary roost assessments - along with documents detailing its ecological appraisal. All of these can be viewed here. The application was validated on Friday, June 20, 2025, and is currently awaiting decision.
Scottish Sun
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Plans to transform abandoned UK theme park unveiled – 13 years after iconic site left to rot
The application was submitted this week RIDDEN OFF Plans to transform abandoned UK theme park unveiled – 13 years after iconic site left to rot Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PLANS have been submitted to replace what was once the thriving Camelot Theme Park with up to 350 new homes in Lancashire. Story Homes have put forward an outline planning application to Chorley Council for a new residential scheme in the small village, Charnock Richard. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Story Homes have submitted plans to build on site of abandoned theme park Credit: 8 Up to 350 new homes are anticipated to be built Credit: 8 Camelot Theme Park shut its doors to the public in 2012 Credit: CHRIS NEILL The once thriving theme park has lay derelict since the attraction shut down in 2012 due to dwindling visitor numbers, however the developers now plan to revive the abandoned area. 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 Construction Enquirer: 'We are excited to bring forward plans for this significant development on a well-known local site. 'Our proposal not only addresses the strong demand for high-quality, affordable homes in Chorley but also places emphasis on sustainability and community investment. 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 greenbelt land and claim it will lead to an increase in traffic. Heskin resident, Sue Warburton, 57, told The Sun previously: 'The reason I moved here was to live in the countryside. '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. 8 Residents fear they don't have the infrastructure to meet the demands of so many new homes Credit: CHRIS NEILL 8 Story Homes hope this development will enhance the wider area Credit: CHRIS NEILL 8 This comes 13 years after the site was left to rot Credit: 8 The entrance to the abandoned Camelot Theme park Credit: SWNS:South West News Service
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Plans to transform abandoned UK theme park unveiled – 13 years after iconic site left to rot
PLANS have been submitted to replace what was once the thriving Camelot Theme Park with up to 350 new homes in Lancashire. Story Homes have put forward an outline planning application to Chorley Council for 8 Story Homes have submitted plans to build on site of abandoned theme park Credit: 8 Up to 350 new homes are anticipated to be built Credit: 8 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. 8 Residents fear they don't have the infrastructure to meet the demands of so many new homes Credit: CHRIS NEILL 8 Story Homes hope this development will enhance the wider area Credit: CHRIS NEILL 8 This comes 13 years after the site was left to rot Credit: 8 The entrance to the abandoned Camelot Theme park Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 8 Graffiti now cakes the theme park, which was once a favourite with kids Credit: Donna Clifford/ Magnus News
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aldi fight on 2 fronts in bid to build store close to congested roundabout
Supermarket chain Aldi has launched a bid to overturn a council's rejection of its £10m plan for a new store. In November 2024, proposals for a 1,800 sq/ft store at Paragon business park in Chorley New Road, Horwich, were rejected by the council amid concerns about traffic, road safety, flooding and biodiversity. Now Aldi has appealed that decision, and suggested that the process be settled via a four-day public hearing. Representatives at the discount supermarket chain said the council's reasons for refusal should be "tested through formal questioning by an advocate". In April this year, Aldi also submitted a fresh planning application for the scheme, which is currently awaiting a decision by the council. Aldi said the resubmission of the plans would "seek to address the previous reasons for refusal through expanded and updated technical evidence". The appeal means the German based discount retailer is pursuing its wish to build the store on two fronts. The proposed site is next to the Beehive roundabout, which members of the planning committee said when refusing permission, is often the location of traffic congestion. It is also close to Bolton Wanderers' Toughsheet Stadium. Aldi said access to the new store would be via a new slip road entrance in Chorley New Road, near the roundabout. Vehicles would exit from a different junction onto De Havilland Way. The supermarket giant said approval of the plans would mean the creation of 40 to 50 full and part-time local jobs on the site and various other indirect jobs in construction, supply chain and support. Aldi added that they would target construction within 18-months of obtaining planning permission. Documents supporting Aldi's appeal said "there are no highways issues as a result of the proposed development". The statement added: 'A transport assessment was prepared and submitted in support of the planning application. 'Significantly, the traffic impact section concluded that the proposal would not have an adverse impact upon the safe and efficient operation of the existing local highway network both now and in the future. 'This was based on operational capacity assessments of various surrounding junctions.' The appeal justification also refuted the council's stated refusal reasons of "a significant loss of biodiversity from the site" and that the "development would result in an increase in flood risk in the local area". Documents in support of the revised planning application said: 'Aldi's very presence is also anticipated to raise the profile of the site, investor confidence, and market interest in the business park during a challenging economic period.' Aldi already operate a store in Horwich, less than a mile away from the proposed new location at Mason Street but have said the proposed store had no implications for the retailer's ongoing operation in Horwich town centre, which they consider serves a different catchment area. The scheme would provide 131 car parking spaces at the site. Council planners will decide on the resubmitted proposals in the coming weeks and will also deliberate on whether to contest the planning appeal.
BBC News
02-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Chorley Yarrow Vale Country Park parking charge plan fears voiced
Plans to introduce parking charges at a Lancashire beauty spot could increase congestion in the area and be "devastating" for a nearby garden centre, staff at the business have Council is considering its car parking options for Yarrow Valley Country Park, which lies only a five-minute walk away from Birkacre Garden the country park to bring in parking charges, Birkacre's managing director Steve Ainscough believes many visitors would use his company's free car park and the road outside, something which he said would create "a hazard".Chorley Council said no final decisions had been made and urged residents and businesses to respond to ongoing consultation. Mr Ainscough told BBC Radio Lancashire: "When it is busy we have overflow parking on the road. "This will add to that congestion on the road. Also it will also push our customers on the road or they will decide not to come at all."Put simply, he said: "Everyone is going to be cheesed off."It is going to be a hazard... and the potential impact on us could be devastating."Gayle Wootton, director of planning and property at Chorley Council, said the local authority understood that any proposed changes to parking rules can raise concerns, particularly when charges may be added: "The proposals currently under consultation aim to manage parking more effectively across the borough, support long-stay parking needs, and ensure spaces are available for those who need them the most. "No final decisions have been made, and we strongly encourage residents and businesses to take part in the consultation and share their views. "All feedback will be considered before changes are introduced." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
