Neighbours of a Norfolk theme park have raised the alarm of the site turning into an “Alton Towers in the countryside” after developers were granted retrospective permission for new rides build without planning consent. The two new rides were built at the Roarr! dinosaur adventure park in Lenwade in 2023 without the necessary permissions, but Broadland Council gave developments the retrospective green light this week. While the Swing-O-Saurus mechnical swing and Raptor Contractor hang-glider ride brought the theme park’s total of number of attractions to 27, nearby residents are worried that the application’s acceptance has set a dangerous precedent for further expansion of the 85-acre site.
The council has also already given developers permission to plough ahead with a separate growth project in a bid to bring in an extra 200,000 visitors a year – in a move that locals say could see it grow to the size of Alton Towers, the UK’s largest theme park which boasts over 40 rides on a 910-acre plot in Stoke-on-Trent. “This whole situation appears very premeditated, underhanded and dishonest,” one dissenter said.
“Will Roarr! decide to fully develop an Alton Towers in the countryside then ask for forgiveness and permission afterwards?”
“I am concerned this is a stealth move away from the dinosaur park towards more of an amusement park-type set up,” another added.
“This has the potential to lead to further rides and noisy attractions being introduced.”
District councillor Peter Bulman also warned that the development was having “a substantial and increased adverse impact on the local community and environment”.
But council officials said the two new rides weren’t “overbearing” to the surrounding area and instead “complemented” the existing site.
“While the rides may be visible from certain viewpoints on private land to the south and west of the site, they relate appropriately to existing activities at Roarr! and are well containing by existing buildings, woodland and tree belts, and do not impact significantly on the character and appearance of the area,” a report stated.
“This application proposes development that [is] complementary to existing activities at Roarr! and the principle of development is acceptable,” it added.