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Chaos looms for roads: Camelot site housing plan sparks fury
23 Feb
Summary
- Plans for 350 homes on the former Camelot Theme Park site are opposed.
- A local councillor fears severe road gridlock if the development proceeds.
- A decision on the housing application will be made by a government inspector.
Plans to construct 350 homes on the former Camelot Theme Park site in Lancashire have drawn significant criticism. Councillor Alan Whittaker has voiced strong concerns, predicting "absolute chaos" and severe road "gridlock" if the development is approved. He stated that the existing infrastructure, including local roads like Park Hall Road, is insufficient to handle the projected increase in traffic, estimated at around 600 additional cars. Concerns also extend to the availability of schools and GP surgeries.
Story Homes, the developer, aims to deliver a range of high-quality homes, with half designated as affordable housing. They also propose creating a "travel hub" featuring a bus interchange. However, Councillor Whittaker suggested that such a large-scale development would only be feasible with substantial highway improvements, such as a new M6 junction, which he believes developers would not fund. A public meeting in Heskin revealed overwhelming local opposition to the current proposal.
The derelict Camelot Theme Park, themed around Arthurian legend, closed in 2012 after 29 years of operation. The site has since been used for various events. This is not the first attempt to redevelop the land; previous applications in 2017 and 2019 were unsuccessful. The latest application will be decided by a government-appointed inspector in the summer.
