Latest news with #StoryHomes
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE We live next to a derelict theme park plagued by ravers and anti-social gangs but we don't want it to be bulldozed as the alternative is far worse
For over a decade, a medieval theme park has lay derelict, decaying and rotting. Instead of welcoming young families, it now welcomes urban explorers, pill-popping ravers and anti-social youths. As indictments of 21st-century Britain go, Chorley's Camelot theme park is hard to top. However residents living in the shadow of this grim monument of despair want it to stay exactly how it is, for they fear that worse things could follow should the site be scrubbed away. An £80m plan to build 350 homes on the site of the former Camelot theme park has sparked anger among villagers who claim it will 'ruin' the area. The site has lay derelict since the attraction shut down in 2012 due to dwindling visitor numbers. Developers Story Homes, who bought the park in 2009 and have twice had plans (in 2014 and 2017) for similar housing schemes rejected, have now submitted an outline planning application to Chorley Borough Council. Documents claim the site is 'well positioned' to support wider regional growth and a 'prime location' for residential development and will also deliver improved transport infrastructure, facilities and a fully accessible open space for residents. 'Therefore, the proposed development is well positioned to contribute positively to the Borough's growth ambitions, whilst also making effective and efficient use of previously developed land within an accessible and sustainable location,' it's claimed. Half the new homes, which will take an 'assumed' seven years to build, will be 'affordable' and an 'entry point' for local key workers and younger families. Story say the scheme will also deliver wide-ranging social-economic benefits, which include helping to preserve social and family networks, extra jobs and higher household expenditure. But residents in the nearby village of Heskin, which has one convenience store, one pub and a population of less than a 1,000, fear it will spoil the character of the area. They object to development on green belt and the 'destruction'of wildlife, claim it will it lead to increased noise and traffic and point to 'insufficient infrastructure' such as schools and doctors to cope with an influx of new residents. Chris Davis, 62, says he has 'mixed feelings' about the plans because while he can see there will be economic benefits for the area he's worried about their wider impact if they're approved. 'I accept people have to live somewhere,' he said. 'At the moment the site is derelict and full of concrete so it's better to dig that up than more of the green belt. 'But if they start ripping down more trees that will change everything. 'They'll basically be creating a new village within a village, so you're going to need new schools, doctors, shops, that kind of thing. 'Also, the roads round here are busy enough, especially during rush hour or when there's an accident and they close the [nearby] M6 and re-route the traffic through here and Ecclestone. 'So it's all the extra traffic that's a worry and the lorries coming and going during the building work. He added: 'If it's green belt land you have to keep it green belt land.' Melvin Otter, 75, who's lived in Heskin for more than 50 years, is also against the plans to develop the site. 'The developers have twice had plans rejected but there's so much money involved,' he said. 'Money talks, so they'll probably get them approved this time. 'But where's all the new infrastructure coming from? 'It's already a real problem trying to get a GP appointment and the roads are bad now – so it will only get even worse. 'They're saying it's all brownfield land, but who's to say they won't submit further plans and build on the green belt too.' Neil Haslingden, 56, also says a 'lack of infrastructure' and 'extra traffic' are concerns and believes alternative schemes to redevelop existing homes and buildings are better options. 'I don't think the answer is just to keep building and building new homes,' he said. 'They need to do something with existing spaces, such as empty farm buildings or houses. 'As the village lies within the green belt I couldn't extend my home by more than 50%. 'So I had to look an alternative plans and I'm now going to convert my garage instead.' He added that new cycle lanes, which form part of the plans, would only benefit those living in the new properties and he fears that locals could be 'priced out' from buying them. Another villager, who didn't wish to be named, complained: 'The scheme will change the character of the area completely. 'It will be awful and the village will be ruined. 'There are other homes being built nearby that aren't even sold yet. 'So I can't understand why they need to build another 350.' So far, 22 official objections from residents have been sent to Chorley Council. One claimed the plans were 'ridiculous' and that house builders were determined to 'ruin' the local area. A 'significant development' Siobhan Sweeney, North West Land Manager for Story Homes, said: '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. '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.' 'We are rapidly losing our green spaces forever and there won't be much left for our future generations at this rate,' they added. Another called the plans 'an absolute disgrace', and would lead to the destruction of wildlife, increased crime and the lowering of village house prices among other problems. Alex Hilton, Executive Member for Planning and Development at Chorley Council, said: 'We understand that the former Camelot site holds a great deal of local significance, and we appreciate the level of interest and feedback received regarding the proposed residential development. 'At this stage, no final decision has been made. The application is still under consideration, and all comments submitted as part of the consultation process will be carefully reviewed and considered before the planning committee makes its decision. 'We are committed to ensuring that the planning process is transparent, balanced, and fair and that all voices are heard.' Camelot 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. But since its closure, the site had become overgrown and fallen into disrepair, with 'considerable' vandalism and anti-social behaviour, and it's become an attraction for urban explorers who've posted videos online. Many of the structures and buildings have had to be demolished for safety reasons, although some are still standing. The site is now used by a company which organises 'scare' experiences.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Penrith housing development clears 'nutrient neutrality' hurdle
Story Homes and Burnetts Solicitors have secured approval for 194 new homes at The Fairways in Penrith, overcoming delays caused by nutrient neutrality requirements. The development is the first in Cumbria to secure planning permission with an associated agreement detailing the Government's Nutrient Neutrality Mitigation Scheme for housing. Robbie Mather, partner and head of commercial property at Burnetts, said: "Development in certain parts of Cumbria has stalled and there is a real need to provide all types of housing. "We have been working hard to raise concerns regarding the impact of nutrient neutrality with local councils. "I am pleased to have assisted Story Homes getting this site secured and hope this is the first of many – as there is certainly some catching up to do for housing delivery within the county." Nutrient neutrality rules require that developments do not increase nutrient pollution in nearby water catchments, particularly in areas with protected habitats already in 'unfavourable condition'. The regulations have caused significant delays to planning applications across the region. Adam McNally, senior land and planning manager for Cumbria and south west Scotland at Story Homes, praised the legal support that helped unlock the project. He said: "Burnetts provided an attentive, on-point service in the resolution of our site's highly complex planning legal agreements, which were a first of their kind for volume housebuilding involving cross local authority legal coordination. "Special thanks to Robbie for getting this over the line and enabling our start on site." A development is considered nutrient neutral when it does not add additional nutrient pollution to the environment, typically through wastewater or surface water runoff. This is achieved by designing and implementing mitigation measures as part of the development, allowing housing to proceed without harming protected habitats. The Fairways scheme is seen as a potential model for unlocking other stalled developments in Cumbria and addressing the region's housing needs.
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.
Daily Mail
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Popular UK theme park site could be transformed under new plans 15 years after it closed and was left to rot
A former theme park could be transformed into hundreds of homes 15 years after the site was closed and left to rot. A planning application has been submitted to turn the former Camelot Theme Park in Charnock Richard, Lancashire into 350 homes. The park closed in 2012 after nearly 30 years and has been empty ever since, aside from occasional use for immersive Halloween events and laser tag. Story Homes has submitted the application to turn the site into housing, with 50 per cent proposed to be affordable housing for local people, The Bolton News reported. The homes would include a range of sizes for first-time buyers, families and older couples looking to downsize. The plans also include a community hub office and meeting spaces for community groups. The plans say the development would also be a boost for local wildlife with a ten per cent biodiversity net gain, due to restoring the natural water flow of the nearby Syd Brook. Siobhan Sweeney, North West land manager for Story Homes, said: '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. '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.' During the height of its popularity, Camelot was one of the north west's most prominent tourist attractions, featuring a range of offerings like the amusement ride Excalibur 2, and hosting live jousting in an arena. Inspired by the legend of King Arthur, the ill-fated park was boarded up after being open to the public for nearly 30 years. Owners Knights Leisure said bad weather contributed to low visitor numbers - and so the decision was made to shut the park down, with over 150 staff losing their jobs. The amusement park was home to the legendary Knightmare roller coaster - the structure of which remained standing tall even after it was shut down and was only dismantled in 2020. Other famous rides at the medieval-themed park included the Dragon Flyer, Caterpillar Capers, The Galleon and Pendragon's Plunge. Organisers would also perform jousting events in the theme park's arena and do magic shows. It has remained empty for 15 years since closing in 2012 Mannequins at the theme park have been left to decay The park began to look like the set of a horror movie four years after its closure This image shows an area of the park that has had its walls smashed down, with tiles lying on the dirty ground and wires dangling from holes Unnerving: A green ride carriage with peeling paint and a headless mannequin on its seat is pictured left A Wimpy eatery was left in a ruined state, with smashed tiles covering the floor, broken walls and graffiti marring the sign. A horse statue left to rot looks menacing in amongst the foliage And an episode of the famous children's TV show Sooty & Co was even filmed at the theme park in 1994. When the owners closed the theme park after 29 years they also blamed large public events such as the Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee for a decline in visitors. The theme park changed ownership to Granada Group in 1986 but it was sold again in 1998 after a management buyout. By 2005 only 336,204 visitors came to Camelot every year when it once attracted more than 500,000. Last year Thorpe Park boasted 1.7million visitors. In February 2009 owners Prime Resorts announced the park was in receivership - meaning it was placed in the custodial responsibility for the property of others. Companies are usually only placed in receivership if they can't meet financial obligations. A Carlisle-based construction company, Story Group, then bought the theme park and leased it to Knight's Leisure. Story Homes were refused planning permission ten years ago by Chorley Borough Council to build 420 new homes on the site.
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
