Halloween attraction can open after planning row

The marquees used for the Fear Factory in the grounds of Thornhurst Manor

A Halloween attraction which operated without planning consent has been given permission to open this month.

The Fear Factory at Thornhurst Manor, near Doncaster, was set up by director Laurie Murray in his parents' garden before moving to the grounds of the country park and wedding venue in 2021.

A retrospective planning application was submitted to City of Doncaster Council in 2023 for a change of use of the land to accommodate event structures such as marquees.

Councillors initially voted to refuse the scheme at a committee meeting in February before the chair of planning made the casting vote to grant consent, subject to conditions.

The event went ahead in 2024 as the application was not determined by the original deadline around a week before Halloween. The structures have been sited at the venue since 2020.

Mr Murray was told that council planners had indicated they would recommend it was turned down and that Owston Parish Council had also submitted an objection, claiming the event had been "poorly managed" in the past.

Council planners' concerns included the year-round presence of the marquees and shipping containers, and that there was not adequate parking for visitors. The environmental health team said there had never been any official noise complaints made during its years of operation.

The two-week event is ticketed and offers pre-booked sessions for up to 40 people. Part-time staff are employed to manage traffic and crowds.

It includes a range of Halloween-themed entertainment with actors and sets, as well as family activities such as pumpkin carving.

A City of Doncaster Council spokesperson said the authority was "working directly and collaboratively with the Fear Factory to negotiate an agreement" so the attraction could open on schedule for 10 October.

The attraction has been told to complete a Section 106 agreement to secure "biodiversity enhancements" that would mitigate the impact of the Fear Factory on wildlife.

The work, which includes tree planting, is currently the subject of negotiations between the applicant and the council before the consent is officially signed off.

Mr Murray said that allowing the attraction to remain permanently would boost the local economy and put the "city on the map".

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