Our idyllic countryside is being ruined by giant SLIDE & screaming kids – we can’t open our windows… it’s horrendous
DESPAIRING locals say their idyllic countryside home is being “ruined” by a giant slide and screaming kids.
Residents of the quaint Cornish hamlet claim they can’t even open their windows due to the persistent noise.
Kernow Slide near Bodmin originally opened last summer, without planning permission.
A planning application was subsequently denied by Cornwall Council on February 24 – due to the slide’s “incongruous” appearance and noise implications.
Despite this, the four-lane waterslide is now set to return on May 24 in time for the May half-term – with scaffolding spotted at the sight.
James Lance, the man behind the 145-metre inflatable structure, says he is appealing the council’s decision.
One local told CornwallLive: “We all rang each other delighted that it had been refused – a day later the scaffolding went up again.”
Another added: “The last day of it operating last year was horrendous.
“We opened all our windows and doors because it was lovely weather, and I sat doing my jigsaw and I thought, ‘I can’t stick this noise – all the shouting and screaming and that’. We had to close everything up.”
A major gripe amongst locals is that the slide is situated within Cornwall Council’s Active Travel ‘Quiet Lanes’ network.
The council report also stated that the location was “unsuitable” due to its relative inaccessibility via public transport.
James has claimed he will arrange transport options for those wanting to visit the attraction, however.
The council report continues: “The benefits to the tourist economy from the scheme do not outweigh the harm caused through the unsustainability of the location together with the adverse impact upon the rural character and appearance of the area which is within an Area of Great Landscape Value through the introduction of an incongruous man-made structure and erosion of the tranquillity of the landscape.
“In the absence of a suitable noise assessment to assess the impact of the proposed water slide attraction on the residential properties and campsite business to the north west of the application site, the proposal is not considered acceptable … it would be deemed that the introduction of this tourist facility would cause significant noise harm to neighbouring properties which would be considered unacceptable.”
When approached by The Sun for comment, James argued that the attraction was a positive addition to the community – and no specific road accessibility issues had been raised.
He said: “Planning is an ongoing process and Kernow Slide is taking the opportunity to appeal the planning refusal with the legislated timescales.
“Our planning consultant is in regular contact with Cornwall Council’s planning team, and we are following the process.
“In their professional assessment, the local highway authority raised no objections to the safety of the access into the site or to the suitability of roads serving the site; the application was not refused on highway safety grounds.
“The only thing that has made access harder is a local resident regularly removing directional arrow signs along the road.
“There is access to footpaths/cycle trails just around the corner linking to Cardinham Woods.
“From Cardinham Woods it’s a 1.9 mile walk or an 18-minute cycle to Kernow Slide; this route is largely off road.
“I have arrangements in place for anyone wishing to travel by public transport, details are on the website.
“We can arrange a taxi to meet guests at the closest bus stop or train station.
“The site is well related to other attractions around Bodmin and there is also strong local support.
“Kernow Slide employs 20+ people from the local area, mostly students between college / University terms.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to earn over the summer and gain valuable work experience. Kernow Slide also uses the services of several local companies.”
Despite locals’ concerns, the announcement of the slide’s return on Facebook garnered a generally positive reception, with over 170 comments.
The Sun has approached Cornwall Council for comment.