Planners second rebuff of two new Blackpool rides

The latest proposals for two rides to operate in Blackpool have been refused again.

In November Blackpool Pier Company lodged an application for a Certificate of Proposed Lawfulness (CLOPED) for the siting of two rides - a log flume and a star flyer - on either side of the town's South Pier Headland area, arguing that they would prove a major attraction and help boost tourism.

The applicants contended that a CLOPED was appropriate as the two structures did not constitute "development " and therefore did not need planning permission.

But the planning officer said both the rides were substantial structures which would require planning permission, and the application for a CLOPED was refused.

The application was for the two rides to be in place between 1 April and 31 October each year.

Each ride would be installed independently and would be in situ for that period.

Planning was refused in September, with the planning officer saying the proposals could not be accepted because they were contrary to several planning policies including how they would look "would not fit well in the setting".

A previous application was also refused in 2018 after temporary permission had been allowed.

The latest report stated: "Going by submissions made with the planning application, it is understood that whilst there would be no bolting or suchlike to the ground, the structures would include elements of considerable weight to prevent them from being moved by the wind and as such they would have a physical attachment to the ground.

"It is plain that once built, it would not be possible to move them without dismantling them.

"In summary, the proposed structures would be operational development and therefore their siting would require planning permission. No express planning permission for their siting exists.

"Consequently, the siting of the two structures would not be lawful and a certificate should not be granted."

The log flume, comes in multiple formats, but essentially has a footprint of 42m (138ft) by 18m (59ft) and a height of 12m (39ft), with a total track length of some 220m (722ft) interwoven within a mini lake setting.

The star flyer is a 77m (253ft) high ride, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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