Neighbours of Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure park in Lenwade, Norfolk, are expressing significant anxiety over recent developments that they believe may transform their peaceful rural area into something resembling an "Alton Towers in the countryside." This concern grew after Broadland District Council granted retrospective permission for two new rides to be erected without prior planning consent, bringing the total number of attractions at the park to 27. The newly added Swing-O-Saurus and Raptor Contractor rides have raised alarms among residents, who fear that this approval sets a troubling precedent for further expansion of the 85-acre site.
Local fears are further compounded by a recently approved plan aimed at boosting the park’s annual visitor numbers by 200,000, which some community members argue could significantly increase noise and traffic in the area. The park has ambitions of expanding its reach and offering, mirroring the scale of Alton Towers, which occupies a sprawling 910-acre site in Stoke-on-Trent and features over 40 rides. One resident, voicing widespread discontent, described the situation as “very premeditated, underhanded and dishonest,” questioning whether the park intends to continue its expansion by essentially asking for forgiveness later rather than permission beforehand.
The local council's support for this expansion, while citing potential economic benefits and job creation, has not quelled criticisms from nearby residents. Many have expressed worry about increased noise levels from rides and children's activities disrupting the tranquillity of their environment. Broadland District Council has pointed to the economic advantages of the development, supporting their decision with a site visit prior to approval. However, local councillor Peter Bulman has expressed concern about the substantial adverse impacts this development could have on the local community and ecosystem.
In 2024, the park plans to introduce "Gigantosaurus Land," a four-acre addition that aims to enrich its family-friendly offerings with attractions inspired by the popular animated series. This new area will feature a variety of interactive play spaces, including a vertical volcano-themed drop ride and water play sections. While park officials maintain that such developments will boost tourism and enhance the area's appeal, residents remain sceptical, fearing the transition from a family-oriented dinosaur park to a full-fledged amusement park may come with unintended consequences of noise and environmental degradation.
As developments at Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure continue to unfold, the tension between community concerns and the park’s ambitions appears poised to escalate, highlighting the ongoing struggle between local sentiment and economic growth objectives in rural settings. Ultimately, the voices of local residents will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this beloved attraction and its place within the idyllic landscape of Norfolk.
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Source: Noah Wire Services