Rock climbing and zip wire plans by Hangloose Adventure Centre for Bluewater revealed
06:00, 27 June 2019
updated: 06:54, 27 June 2019
The first pictures have been released of a new adventure attraction - featuring a zip wire, giant swing and sky diving machine - planned for Bluewater.
Plans for the new Hangloose Adventure Centre at Bluewater were submitted last year, but people are now being asked for their opinions on the development and should send responses to Dartford council by Friday, July 12.
If approved it would see multiple activities, including a zip wire, giant swing, rock climbing and a sky diving machine come to the cliffs of the Greenhithe shopping centre.
Further details in the application show an adventure platform with an airbag that would see people freefall on to, or they can choose to go down a giant slide.
Additionally, there were plans for an aerial trekking course that would allow people to be suspended in the air and manoeuvre their way through obstacles above the ground.
A letter to nearby residents from the council read: “If you wish to make any representations on the proposal, these should be made in writing, and received by July 12.
“After this date, the council may determine the application, though any representations subsequently received will continue to be taken into account until a decision is made.”
Residents have rasied concerns over the amount of traffic and congestion in the area, with one man commenting: “They need to stop trying to build around the area. It’s too congested around here as it is, it’s starting to be like London with all the noise, traffic and pollution.
"Leave some green space for our wild life. I as a Dartford resident don’t fancy bringing my kids up in a concrete jungle.”
Julie Partridge added: “This will impact a lot of homes in and around Bluewater, especially impacting residents that live near to and around the top of Bluewater, by the emergency exit, and school.
“That’s without the impact on the environment and wildlife in and around the area, if it should go ahead. We don’t need this impacting our lives.”
However, a report from consultant group RPS concluded that due to the fact people visiting the adventure centre would still be using the shopping centre’s car park there would only be a minimal increase in the amount of traffic in the area.
It said: “It is concluded that the development proposal would not have a severe residual impact on the operation of the local highway network or existing car parking.”
Current plans would see people picked up by a minivan at the car park and taking to the reception and sky wire.
If given the green light it will employ 28 people and open from 10am to 6.30pm Monday to Sunday. Dartford council said presently they could not comment on the application.
Holly Blake from Bluewater said: "An application has been submitted to Dartford council for a new zip wire and adventure experience within the Bluewater grounds. The application is ongoing."
