Decision likely this week on controversial fun area at Haven Leisure's holiday village in Humberston

 

The entertainments complex which has sparked a long-running controversy

A CRUNCH decision on the controversial outdoor entertainments complex at Thorpe Park holiday village is expected to be made this week.

Operators Haven Leisure are keen to regularise the development which currently does not have the benefit of planning consent.

It consists of:

* Jump tower, jump bag and climbing wall 

* Low Ropes 

* Storage containers 

* Sweet treats unit 

* High ropes 

* Big play area 

* Refurbishment of multi-use games area

* Refurbishment of archery range 

* Crazy golf 

* Container bar and seating area 

* Stage and giant screen 

* Ranger station 

* Activities hub and WCs

* Bungee trampolines 

* Lighting 

* Three-metre acoustic fence  

There are longstanding objections - mostly about noise - from neighbours, including residents of Humberston Fitties. 

Humberston Village Council is also opposed.

However, members of North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee will, at a meeting tomorrow,  Wednesday February 28,  be  recommended to grant retrospective permission 

In a report, the case officer spells out reasons why the project should be approved.

"Attractions such as these are commonplace in other similar complexes," she says. 

"Some of the equipment is reasonably high, but these are somewhat to be expected in a resort area.

"They are set well within a part of the site which includes major buildings and a leisure pool with associated slides. 

"The updating of the park in this manner is not considered to detract visually and, indeed, enhances the facilities and impression of this major resort area. 

"From outside the site, visual intrusion is minimal due to the existing character of the area, existing buildings and structures and landscaping." 

The case officer continues: "Both the host site and Humberston Fitties are located within an allocated resort area, and it is considered that there is an expectation of activities in the surrounding area associated with holiday uses.

"The majority of the comments received have been in relation to the noise of the installed stage with associated loudspeakers. 

"The council's environmental officer has deemed that there would not be an undue impact on neighbouring or local  properties or chalets from the proposal, in particular from the stage."

"With regard to other activities, it must be acknowledged that the site is a well-established holiday park in a resort area and general usage of the leisure activities is not considered detrimental. 

"Neighbouring sites are also holiday areas though it is accepted that the Fitties is a different offering to Thorpe Park and users of this site enjoy and appreciate the more reserved nature of it. 

"This has been taken into account in the negotiations and considerations of noise impact."

"Overall, and taking all representations into account, it is not considered that there are adverse impacts to neighbouring amenity to justify objection to the planning application." 

Ms Davidson concludes: "The application relates to an investment into a major holiday destination in the Cleethorpes area.

"It supports the existing site and supports the visitor economy for the borough. 

"With the appropriate conditions, the proposal is not considered to harm the amenity of the surrounding holiday chalets or the character of the area."

The Grimsby News says: There is something disquieting about the heavy-handed and long-winded, not to say clumsy, way that the planning  officer has made her recommendation. It is almost as if she is trying to persuade herself that it is perfectly all right for chalet occupants on Humberston Fitties to have their longstanding peace and quiet disrupted by their noisy neighbours at the adjoining holiday complex. NELC's planning officers are employed by a developer, Equans, which invariably supports fellow-developers, not infrequently to the detriment of the little man or woman whose interests and welfare may receive lip service but nothing more. This is patently unfair and brings the planning system into disrepute. And why does the planning officer need to make a recommendation at all? Why not just leave the decision to the members of the committee without the need for external bias or persuasion?

                                          

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