The London Resort project will still continue to go ahead despite Merlin Entertainments wanting the attraction plans to be withdrawn and resubmitted.
After being given a four-month delay due to ongoing ecological issues with the proposed site for the theme park the team behind London Resort is expected to make amendments to the plans after being granted the extension.
Merlin’s chief corporate officer Matt Jowett requested the plans to be withdrawn and resubmitted.
In a new letter that has been published this week, the Planning Inspectorate panel said it will consider whether new documents “amount to a material change as and when they are submitted”.
The panel will also “consider the need for further consultation and any implications for the pre-examination and examination periods as and when the applicant submits any updated or new documents.”
CEO of the London Resort Py Gerbeau said the project will of course continue.
My Thoughts
I’m ever so glad that the project is still steaming ahead despite issues raised by Merlin Entertainments.
With Chessington World of Adventures, Thorpe Park and LEGOLAND Windsor all being London based it’s a very dominant area that has complete Merlin control.
Ambitious plans on the scale of the London Resort are unprecedented in this country and with such a large-scale development brings intense competition for Merlin parks.
With Thorpe Park being the only adult-targeted theme park controlled by Merlin in the south it would only take a handful of adult-themed rides to posing an immediate threat considering the lack of major investment that Thorpe Park has had over the last decade.
The London Resort will also look to have little to no height restrictions on their rides with various tall structures in the area in excess of 400 feet.
I welcome the development as not only do we get this brand new attraction to really put the country on the map in terms of a worldwide attraction but it will force Merlin to invest in their London parks with Thorpe Park especially in desperate need of a stand-out coaster or attraction.
