Wigginton Parish Council objects to Aerial Extreme's plans for rope course at Clifton Moor Gate (From York Press)

Wigginton Parish Council objects to Aerial Extreme's plans for rope course at Clifton Moor Gate

7:57am Wednesday 11th November 2009 in

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COMMUNITY leaders have slammed plans to bring an outdoor adventure centre to the edge of York.

Wigginton Parish Council is trying to block moves by North Yorkshire-based Aerial Extreme to open an extreme rope course at Clifton Moor Gate, saying it would add to traffic congestion and damage the environment.

It said access links were not good enough and the proposed equipment would stand out in the green belt.

As reported in The Press last month, Aerial Extreme believes the centre could attract 20,000 visitors a year, if approved.

The company said there were about 35 Adventure Rope Courses in the UK, but mostly in rural or forested areas. There were few in urban sites and none in York.

A spokesman said: “York is already a renowned UK destination, but this exciting new attraction will add to its already impressive diversity.

“This will predominantly be a leisure facility aimed at the local and tourist market. As the course takes approximately two hours to complete, visitors are likely to take a day trip and head to York centre and the surrounding out-of-town retail parks.”

The firm has submitted a planning application to City of York Council, which is now consulting on the proposals, and Wigginton Parish Council has formally objected.

It said:

• Access to and from the B1363 was inadequate.

• The height of the planned equipment would be visually intrusive.

• The equipment should be screened from the A1237 northern ring road.

• The proposed overflow car-park at York Riding School would be unlawful, as it only has permission for agricultural vehicles.

City of York Council’s transport officials have also raised concerns over the plans.

Mick Yates, highway development officer, said: “This proposed development appears to be designed to attract predominantly car-borne visitors and therefore it may be considered to have somewhat dubious sustainability credentials.

“In addition, there is inadequate information regarding the levels and provision for all forms of transport within the site.”

He also said floodlights at the site could be a distraction for passing motorists on the A1237.