Christmas forest event seeks belated permission

Santa's Secret Forest is due to open on 21 November, subject to being granted planning permission

Work has begun on building a large-scale Christmas attraction without planning application having been granted, a nearby resident has said.

Sidestep Events Ltd (SEL) has begun transforming 40 acres of woodland at Orrell Hill Woods in Hightown, Merseyside, into Santa's Secret Forest, with tickets already on sale.

But a resident who wished to remain anonymous told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they were concerned this work had started without the necessary planning permission having been obtained.

SEL director, James McMahon said they were advised by Sefton Council that planning permission was needed due to the event running for over 28 days and this had now been submitted.

An email sent by Sefton Council to the anonymous resident and seen by the LDRS confirmed SEL had not, at that time, submitted a planning application, adding this was a risk as there was no guarantee permission would be granted.

Mr McMahon, who runs the company with his partner Tory Harper, both from Crosby, said they "engaged extensively with Sefton Council's planning department" and had also consulted with highways and fire services.

He said they were advised by Sefton Council that, although the event was temporary, the build and break period exceeded 28 days and therefore required planning permission.

They were submitting the application, which they had been working on for more than three months and were "confident that the measures we have taken will endorse the application for a positive outcome".

He said they had also worked closely with the parish council and hosted open days for residents to provide feedback, as well as commissioning "a full suite of expert assessments".

"Every aspect has been carefully considered to ensure the event can operate safely, responsibly, and successfully," he said.

Mr McMahon said their premises licence was formally granted on 21 May.

The event being put on by SEL, a subsidiary of production company UK Events Group, is said to include 10 immersive rooms, reindeer, a market and a light trail.