A planning application has been submitted to transform the former Camelot Theme Park in Charnock Richard, Lancashire, into 350 homes. The site has been derelict since the park closed in 2012 after nearly 30 years of operation.
Developer Story Homes has proposed a mix of housing, with 50 per cent designated as affordable homes for local people. The development would include properties for first-time buyers, families, and older couples looking to downsize, as well as a community hub with office and meeting spaces.
The plans also promise a ten per cent biodiversity net gain by restoring the natural water flow of the nearby Syd Brook. Siobhan Sweeney, North West land manager for Story Homes, said the proposal addresses demand for affordable homes in Chorley while emphasising sustainability and community investment.
Camelot Theme Park, inspired by the legend of King Arthur, was once a major tourist attraction in the north west, featuring rides such as the Knightmare roller coaster, Excalibur 2, and live jousting. Owners Knights Leisure cited bad weather and low visitor numbers as reasons for the closure, which led to over 150 staff losing their jobs.
The park remained abandoned for years, with the Knightmare roller coaster structure only dismantled in 2020. The site has occasionally been used for Halloween events and laser tag since its closure.
