When you think back to the 80s, you may remember a certain North West landmark in the form of Camelot Theme Park in Charnock Richard, near Chorley. The theme park hasn’t been in operation since 2012, and ever since there have been discussions as to what will happen to the fairly huge Lancashire site – and we now seem to have a formal plan for its future.
Developer Story Homes has successfully appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, securing outline planning permission to build up to 350 homes on the long-abandoned Camelot Theme Park site. The appeal was launched because Chorley Council failed to make a decision on the application within the required time limit. The council ultimately did not contest the development in principle.
Story Homes, which previously had two similar applications rejected, says the project will transform the derelict site. They plan to include a community hub, wildlife enhancements, and 50% affordable housing, while supporting an estimated 240 jobs.
Because this is only outline permission, exact details (like the final number of houses) must still be submitted to Chorley Council for approval. Local campaigners plan to continue fighting the development during these next stages.
The decision has sparked severe backlash from local councillors and residents. Opponents, like Councillor Alan Whittaker, call the decision “grotesque,” arguing the rural area lacks the infrastructure to handle the influx of hundreds of cars, which they fear will gridlock narrow local roads.
