Council rejects planning bid for 50ft Hucknall rollercoaster; firm vows to challenge

Right · 2Ashfield District Council has rejected a retrospective planning application for a 50ft rollercoaster in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, which the Daily Mail and Daily Express say could mean the ride is taken down. 1 2 Right · 2The ride is being tested by Nottinghamshire-based Mellors Group, which builds and trials rides for buyers around the world; the Express places it on Sandford Lane. 1 2 Right · 2In its decision notice, published on October 20, the council said the site would be 'incongruous' and 'intrusive' because of the rollercoaster's 'excessive scale', and that the rollercoasters would create 'an overbearing and oppressive presence when viewed from nearby dwellings'. 1 2

Right · 2The authority also raised concerns that the structures would detract from the Grade II-listed RAF and Rolls-Royce hangars on the site. 1 2 Right · 2Residents say they have lived for 18 months in the shadow of the unfinished ride, with test carts running yards from their homes. Locals also say it has attracted urban explorers, and some call it an 'eyesore' and complain of noise from constant testing. 1 2 Right · 1Resident Jack Welsh, 45, said the carts can be seen from his living room and that loose straps left out overnight make a crashing sound in the wind. Other unnamed neighbours said they were 'thrilled', denied being NIMBYs, and said workmen repairing the ride can see into gardens and bedrooms. 1

Right · 2Councillor Dave Shaw, who represents Hucknall West, called the decision 'absolutely fantastic news'. 1 2 Right · 2Mellors Group said it would challenge the ruling, saying there had been 'a misunderstanding of what we are seeking to achieve' and that it hoped to reach an outcome addressing the concerns. One resident predicted the company would appeal. 2 1 Right · 1The Daily Mail also quotes director James Mellors, who said last month that the ride has been there longer than anticipated but is temporary, that it is 'the first one in the world', and that the site is 'a work depot', not a fairground. 1