A planning application has been submitted for redevelopment of the former Camelot Theme Park site on Park Hall Road in Charnock Richard (14/00071/OUTMAJ). The site will be well known to many people, as before it became the popular theme park it was the site of Arena North where many events took place such as the popular It’s a Knockout and the film International Velvet was filmed in the late 1970s. Park Hall Hotel and associated buildings are not part of the planning application as they are under separate ownership.
The application is an outline application and proposes a development of up to 420 houses. Being on the border between Charnock Richard and Heskin the development will impact on both villages, Heskin which is a village of only around 350 houses will probably experience a more dramatic change to its existing character.
The development is within Chisnall Ward which is represented by two Chorley Borough Councillors (Councillor Harold Heaton and Councillor Paul Leadbetter) and as Chorley Borough Council is the planning authority they are supporting local residents in advising them of the development and providing general assistance.
Borough Councillor Leadbetter said “This proposed development has generated significant interest amongst the local communities, the majority of which are concerned about the local infrastructure and sustainability of the proposal and I am supporting people in contributing to the planning process. I personally delivered over 1,000 leaflets, advising all residents of Heskin and Charnock Richard of the proposal, the same weekend it was published. I have talked with and offered support to many people and will continue to do so over coming weeks and months, leading up to the Development Control Committee decision.”
It is thought the application will be heard at the Development Control Committee meeting in early June, if anyone has any comments to make then they can do so online here.