A 50ft rollercoaster towering over homes in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, is set to be torn down after Ashfield District Council rejected a retrospective planning application for the site.
Neighbours say they have spent 18 months living in the shadow of the unfinished ride in Sandford Lane, as test carts regularly whiz around the track yards from their homes. The structure is being tested by Mellors Group, which builds and trials rides for buyers from around the world.
Council rejects retrospective application
The ride could finally be heading for the scrapheap after the council rejected a retrospective planning application which sought to "formalise the land as a testing and repair depot". Planners ruled the site would be "incongruous" and "intrusive" because of the rollercoaster's "excessive scale".
In its decision notice, published on October 20, the council said: "Owing to their scale, height and visual prominence, the rollercoasters would create an overbearing and oppressive presence when viewed from nearby dwellings." The authority also raised concerns that the structures would detract from the Grade II-listed RAF and Rolls-Royce hangars on the site.
Locals welcome decision
The ruling was hailed by "thrilled" locals. Dad-of-one Jack Welsh, 45, who lives beside the track with wife Kirsty and eight-year-old daughter Sapphire, said: "You can see the carts zooming around the track from our living room window.
"I can understand why some people have a problem with it, of course. It's big and it can see into your gardens. It is a menace when they leave the straps out overnight. The wind catches them and the straps make a crashing sound, which can be annoying. There was also an issue with the urban explorers and they were going on it."
Another local, who did not want to be named, said: "Common sense has thankfully won the day and we are thrilled. The company will dig its heels in and appeal, but the council were pretty damning in their ruling.
"It's not being a NIMBY, it's about not living next to an ugly metal rollercoaster which dominates the skyline and is so intrusive."
A second neighbour, who declined to give their name, said: "Hopefully this won't be dragged out for too long - we're all sick of living next to a theme park."
Company vows to challenge ruling
Councillor Dave Shaw, who represents Hucknall West on Ashfield District Council, hailed the decision as "absolutely fantastic news".
Mellors Group vowed to challenge the ruling. A spokesperson said: "We believe there has been a misunderstanding of what we are seeking to achieve and hope to work towards an outcome that addresses the concerns raised."
