Six-seat adventure swing at Zip World, Bethesda, Bangor

What was proposed

A six-seat adventure swing would include platforms, a ramp, landing structure, cables, anchor structures and associated works.

“Proposal: Development of a new adventure tourism ride by way of a 'Swing' to include the erection of a platform structure, a ramp and landing structure, associated cables and anchor structures together with associated works…”

“Description: This is a full application for the creation of an additional activity on the Zip World site in Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda.⁠ It is intended to establish a new ride in the form of a giant swing (6 seater) with the work to include erecting a platform structure, a ramp and landing structure, associated cables and anchor structures.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The development would cross part of Penrhyn Quarry, within a landscape containing World Heritage and historic-interest designations and nearby monuments.

“The site is partially located within the Slate Landscape of North West Wales World Heritage Site and the Dyffryn Ogwen Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest with the monuments of Pen- rhyn Quarry (quarry hospital, underground levels and relict areas) nearby.”

Officer report

Planning history

The site has an extensive planning history, but it does not relate to this specific development.

“The site has an extensive planning history, although it does not relate to this specific development.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Transportation and biodiversity consultees raised no objection, while Cadw and Natural Resources Wales supported approval with mitigation or conditions.

“Cadw: Advice This response is based on the advice provided by Cadw's Senior Historic Environment Planning Officer. We have significant concerns, however, we consider that if mitigating measures were undertaken, our concerns about the impact would be reduced. The national policy and Cadw’s role in the planning process are set out an Annex A. Assessment A revised Historic Impact Assessment has been submitted in support of this application.”

“Biodiversity Unit: No objection - the Biodiversity Improvement Plan is reasonable and shows a Net Gain for Biodiversity in line with Planning Policy Wales. Dŵr Cymru/Welsh Water Observations for the applicant…”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

A public response raised concern that screaming from riders could create daily antisocial noise for nearby residents.

“Public Protection: As this is the first of its type, it is very difficult to assess whether the swing will have a noise impact on the area. If the Authority approves the application, the Service would recommend that conditions are imposed on any permission in relation to the operational hours and the noise threshold as outlined in the noise report to ensure that local residents are not affected by noise. We have concern about noise from customers screaming while they…”

“Land Drainage Unit: No observations to submit. National Park Officer: No response received Public Consultation: A notice was posted on site and in the press, and neighbours were informed. The response below was received to the public consultation process: "The proposed giant swing will be designed to create a 'terror' and 'thrill' experience for those who ride, leading to inevitable loud, anti-social screaming, to be suffered by the residents of Rhes Jams and the nearby…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent supported the attraction and its heritage and economic benefits, while the Local Member sought an adjournment for updated information.

Members’ debate

Members discussed heritage improvements, transport, policy compliance, employment, tourism, parking and whether inaccurate figures required more information.

“That the figures were incorrect – it would be unreasonable to allow this without the correct figures. • Zip World was an extractive company – they are not a local company. • As the eBus did not form part of the application, local transport misses out. • Insufficient parking spaces for the extra visitors. • That more information was needed - incorrect information had been submitted and therefore the committee was urged to defer the matter.”

Minutes

The vote

A proposal to defer the application for further discussions and updated information was defeated.

“An amendment was proposed and seconded to defer so that further discussions could take place with the agent and more up-to-date and current information could be presented to the Committee.”

“A vote was taken on the proposal to defer. The proposal fell.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to the recommended conditions and positive observations from Cadw.

“RESOLVED:⁠ To approve subject to the receipt of positive observations from CADW and to the following conditions:”

Minutes