A 50ft rollercoaster in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, could be dismantled after Ashfield District Council rejected a retrospective planning application seeking approval for the site to operate as a testing and repair depot.
The ride, assembled by Nottinghamshire-based Mellors Group, has stood beside a new-build housing estate for approximately 18 months. Residents have complained about its size, appearance and noise from test carts repeatedly travelling around the track close to their homes.
In a decision notice published on October 20, the council described the rollercoaster structures as “incongruous” and “intrusive” because of their excessive scale.
The notice stated: “Owing to their scale, height and visual prominence, the rollercoasters would create an overbearing and oppressive presence when viewed from nearby dwellings.”
Historic Hangars Also Cited in Planning Decision
Alongside concerns about the impact on nearby homes, the council said the structures would detract from the site’s Grade II-listed RAF and Rolls-Royce hangars.
The rejected application had sought to formalise the land’s use as a testing and repair depot for Mellors Group, which builds and tests amusement rides for buyers around the world.
The refusal places the future of the rollercoaster in doubt, although the company has indicated that it intends to challenge the decision.
Residents Describe Noise and Privacy Concerns
Neighbours have welcomed the council’s ruling after spending months living close to the unfinished attraction.
Jack Welsh, 45, who lives beside the track with his wife Kirsty and their eight-year-old daughter Sapphire, said the family could see the test carts moving around the rollercoaster from their living room window.
He also complained about straps left outside overnight, explaining that wind could cause them to make loud crashing sounds.
Welsh said the ride had also attracted urban explorers who had reportedly accessed the structure.
Other residents said the rollercoaster dominated their views and raised concerns about workers being able to see into their gardens and bedrooms while carrying out repairs.
One neighbour said residents should not feel as though they were being watched inside their own homes.
Neighbours Welcome Planning Refusal
Residents described themselves as delighted by the decision, with one saying the council had shown common sense by refusing the application.
Another neighbour said residents hoped the dispute would not continue for an extended period, adding that they were tired of living beside what they described as a theme park.
Councillor Dave Shaw, who represents Hucknall West on Ashfield District Council, also welcomed the outcome, calling it “absolutely fantastic news”.
Mellors Group Plans to Challenge Council’s Decision
Mellors Group has said it believes there has been a misunderstanding about its intentions for the site and hopes to find a resolution that addresses the concerns raised by the council.
James Mellors, a director of the family-owned company, previously acknowledged that the rollercoaster had remained in place longer than originally planned.
He explained that the ride was intended to be temporary but had taken longer than expected to assemble because it was the first of its kind in the world.
Mellors said the extended installation period had been frustrating for the company because rides do not generate income while in storage.
Company Insists Site Is a Work Depot
Mellors said the company did not intend to cause problems for its neighbours and stressed that the site was a work depot rather than a public fairground.
“Our aim is to be a good neighbour, we’re not there to try and cause a nuisance,” he said.
He added that the company wanted residents to understand its work while recognising their concerns about the rollercoaster’s prolonged presence.
The council has rejected the retrospective planning application, while Mellors Group has indicated that it intends to pursue a resolution to the dispute.
