A 50ft rollercoaster could be dismantled after planners ruled that its “excessive” size was unacceptable, following complaints from neighbours about the noise of carts being tested near their homes.
Residents in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, say they have spent the past 18 months living alongside the unfinished attraction, with test carts repeatedly speeding around the track just yards from their properties.
The ride is being tested by Nottinghamshire-based Mellors Group, a company that builds and trials amusement rides for clients around the world.
Some locals claim the site has attracted urban explorers, while others have branded the rollercoaster an “eyesore” and criticised the noise created during regular testing.
Now, nearly two years after the structure first appeared on the skyline, its future is in doubt and it could eventually be removed.
Ashfield District Council has refused a retrospective planning application that sought to “formalise the land as a testing and repair depot”.
Planning officers said the development would be “incongruous” and “intrusive”, citing the rollercoaster’s “excessive scale”.
In a 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.”
Jack Welsh, 45, said his family can see the huge 50ft rollercoaster from their living room in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire
The attraction is being tested by Nottinghamshire-based Mellors Group, but councillors have now ruled that it should be removed
The authority also said the structures would harm the setting of the Grade II-listed RAF and Rolls-Royce hangars located on the site.
Residents have welcomed the decision, with some describing themselves as “thrilled” by the outcome.
Jack Welsh, 45, a father of one who lives beside the track with his wife Kirsty and their 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 resident 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.”
The rollercoaster was built beside a new-build housing estate in Hucknall, Nottingham
Neighbours on the 12-house road say the rollercoaster has “ruined the views” from their homes
Residents on the new-build estate say they regularly see carts whizzing around the track
‘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 added: ‘Hopefully this won’t be dragged out for too long – we’re all sick of living next to a theme park.’
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: ‘When the workmen are repairing it they can see right into your gardens and bedrooms which is a bit intrusive.
‘We shouldn’t feel like we’re being watched in our homes.’
Councillor Dave Shaw, who represents Hucknall West on Ashfield District Council, hailed the decision as ‘absolutely fantastic news’.
Mellors Group has vowed to fight the ruling, with a spokesman saying: ‘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.’
James Mellors, director at the family-owned firm, previously acknowledged the rollercoaster had been up longer than usual but insisted it was temporary.
He said last month: ‘It’s been there a lot longer than we anticipated. It’s temporary, and usually, a ride would not be in position for quite as long as that has been.
‘It’s the first one in the world, and it’s just not quite been going together as well as it should.
‘It’s frustrating for myself how long that coaster has been there. The rides don’t make any money when they’re in storage.
‘Our aim is to be a good neighbour, we’re not there to try and cause a nuisance. It’s not a fairground, it’s a work depot.
‘We want people to appreciate what we do and we appreciate their concerns.’
