Park fails to please

Plans for a £11/2m activity centre that could help to create up to 45 jobs at a tourist attraction have been refused.

The design for the building, at Wonderland Pleasure Park, White Post, Farnsfield, was branded ugly at a meeting of Newark and Sherwood District Council planning committee on Tuesday.

The park owners were seeking permission for a 60m long building, which would have 1,860m2 of floor space and be 11m at its highest point.

It was hoped that, as well as jobs, the new attraction would increase tourism.

Farnsfield Parish Council and the tourism group, Experience Nottinghamshire, were in support, but planning officers recommended refusal.

Mr Brian Smith said the building was too high and the design was bland. He said it was ugly and would look like a shed.

Planning manager Sylvia Bland was concerned about the visual impact the building would have and said it could be better designed and better sited — it would be in countryside beside the A614.

The local member, Mrs Nora Armstrong, argued the centre represented a major investment by owners committed to making the park a popular tourist attraction.

The indoor centre would mean the park would be open throughout the year rather than just spring and summer.

Mrs Armstrong said 45 local people worked there and the number of staff could double with the additional facility.

“This is a business with a proven track record which provides a unique experience,” she said.

The head of planning, Mr Mike Evans, said: “No one is a bigger supporter of jobs and tourism than me, but we feel the design is a bit of a let down.

“This is something that will be there for a long time.”

The committee chairman, Mr Keith Sheppard, said: “It will stick out like a sore thumb.”

Mr Tom Bickley said the facility was needed as he had taken his children there and now took his grandchildren.

The committee voted seven to five to refuse the application, but said they hoped the owners would revise the design.