New Alton Towers ride set to get go-ahead
PLANS for a new £12 million roller-coaster to replace the Corkscrew at Alton Towers are expected to be approved despite nearly 100 letters of objection.
The theme park wants to build the attraction in its Ug Land area and the ride could open next year. It will be at a track height of 20 metres, about 1.7 metres lower than the Corkscrew. A large section of the track will run through woodland known as Abbey Wood and part of the ride will take passengers in reverse.
The planning application had been expected to go before councillors last month but was deferred to give Staffordshire Moorlands District Council planners more time to investigate.
The 96 letters include complaints that the ride extends into protected woodland and will encroach on the area of an Iron Age hill fort. Opponents are also angry 43 trees will have to be felled to make way for the ride.
But planning officers recommend councillors approve the plans when they meet on Thursday.
A report states: "A visual impact exercise has been undertaken and this has demonstrated that the proposed track will not be visible beyond the peripheries of the estate."
Environmental Health officers say noise generated by the new ride will be insignificant. Most of the trees to be felled are said to be in a poor condition.
Farley and Alton Parish Councils have objected to the district council over the plans.
Tony Moult, chairman of Alton Parish Council, said: "Parishioners have sent in nearly 100 letters of objection and I think that has made planners think very carefully about this application.
"The ride would be outside Alton Towers's permitted development area.
"If they are allowed to enter the wooded valley with this ride, we feel it will set a precedent for any future developments at the theme park."
A spokesman for Alton Towers said: "We are pleased that the planning officer's addendum report is in line with their initial report and recommends this proposed development."
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by Andrew, Stoke
Friday, March 06 2009, 4:05PM
“@Vicky, Slough/Stoke. The thing is, Alton Towers needs to develop and expand in order to keep attracting visitors. Visitors to the Staffordshire Moorlands make up a vast proportion of the local economy - especially the local B&Bs in and around Alton itself.
If Alton were just forced to stand still and stay as they are, then they'll be overtaken by the countless other attractions around the UK and in Europe, and visitor levels will inevitably decline causing a detrimental effect on the local economy which we really don't want in the current climate.
It may seem like "a ridiculous amount of money on a stupid ride" but there are reasons why this development, and others at the park in the future, NEED to take place.”
by Andrew, Hereford
Friday, March 06 2009, 3:30PM
“Most of the complaints concerned the letter with was sent to the Sentinel proclaiming that part of the coaster was going to be built on part of the Iron age fort which is entirely untrue.This alone started the letters of objection being sent.
The phrase look before you leap comes to mind.make sure you know that facts about what you are complaining about first before you put pen to paper.”
by Vicky, Slough/Stoke
Friday, March 06 2009, 3:11PM
“oh and yes i HAVE been to Alton Towers Coz i used to work there !!!!”
by Vicky, Slough/Stoke
Friday, March 06 2009, 3:08PM
“YOu obviously don't understand why woodland and green areas are protected then, the people who have complained have every right to their opinion, they are not 'just moaning', or have a 'sorry life' and to try and save a bit of nice scenery as this country doesn't have much left. and why spend such a ridiculous amount on a stupid ride just because it is smaller and quieter when there are people in this country who are homeless and jobless, it is just a waste of everything! and that is my opinion and i am only 22!!”
by Rich J, Stoke
Friday, March 06 2009, 2:53PM
“I agree with you Andrew. Alton Towers is a cracking place to go. These people who moan are just wasting time and objecting for the sake of it. Its a nice place to go in the summer. Loads to do and loads to see. Stop Moaning and let them make the place bigger and better.”