600 object to major plans to expand Gulliver’s Theme Park

MORE than 600 people have lodged objections to two major plans to expand the Gulliver’s Theme Park at Westbrook, Warrington.

One plan is for a welcome suite and staff headquarters building, a camping and touring caravan site, static caravans and “pet resort.” It has attracted 673 representations, of which 666 are objections.
The second proposal is for a change of use of land for holiday chalets, static caravans, lodges and woodland activity area. This has attracted 698 representations, of which 691 are objections.
Both schemes are to be considered by the borough council’s development management committee next week – and planning officers are recommending that both be approved.
A report presented to the committee describes the first plan is for a mixture of development all associated with the existing, adjacent them park.
In addition to the welcome suite, it includes the “pet resort” which will enable guests to bring their dogs, cats and smaller animals to be cared for day and night while they are on site.
There will be a spa facility for guests, covered cycle storage, 10 pitches for touring caravans and a camping facility. There will be five static caravans for visiting groups.

The second application relates to land adjoining public footpaths within Sankey Valley Park as well as the existing theme park. It includes proposals for 67 chalets or lodges and a children’s woodland activity area, with nature trails which would be linked to footpaths within the applicant’s land holding and beyond into Sankey Valley Park.
Objectors claim the existing theme park is poorly maintained and should be upgraded before expansions. They fear increase noise and air pollution, eyesores for local residents, safeguarding issues in relation to a nearby school, a visual intrusion into Sankey Valley Park, increased fire risks and over-development of the wider area.
Planning officers say the principle of development associated with the theme park is acceptable.
They say there would be a positive impact on the visitor economy with the creation of new jobs.
An identified harm to the ecological value of the site is outweighed by the positive impact on the social and economic fabric of the wider area by allowing an established business to respond to the current economic climate.

In response to the local objections Julie Dalton, Managing Director at Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts said:”As a family-run business, which has been in Warrington for over 30 years, our priority is providing families with a fantastic day out and magical memories, alongside this we want to play our part to help the Warrington economy thrive and flourish. The plans for the Woodland Retreat development within Gulliver’s World Theme Park Resort have been met with an overwhelming amount of support alongside some concerns from local residents.
“We would like to reassure our community that all comments and suggestions put forward have been taken on board and we have addressed these within the FAQ’s on our woodland retreat webpage: www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk/woodland-retreat-faq At Gulliver’s World we are always keen to engage with our community and welcome all feedback to help us shape the future for our Theme Park Resort here in Warrington.