Concern over customer noise on new Zip World ride

Planning has been submitted for the new ride at Bethesda quarry

Residents are calling for measures to reduce the anticipated shrieks of "terror and thrill" by zip-lining visitors should plans go ahead for a giant, six-seater Swing ride at the Zip World site at Bethesda quarry.

Locals around the Rhes Jams, Braichmelyn area, are concerned about potential "anti-social noise" if Cyngor Gwynedd grants permission for the new attraction.

A noise assessment submitted with the planning application found there would be "no detrimental noise impact" as a consequence of the structure, but the council is being urged to address concerns about "noise from customers screaming" with the company.

The submitted planning application will be considered on 20 October.

The recommendation is for the planning committee to approve the application with conditions.

The development, to the south west of the existing Zip World site, will feature a swing platform structure, ramp, landing structure, associated cables and anchor structures, as well as corresponding works at Penrhyn Quarry.

According to the preliminary noise assessment, predicted noise levels of the ride, taken at two sites representing the closest dwelling areas, were "far below the overall residual noise levels of 10 decibels or higher - suggesting that the noise would not be noticeable under normal conditions".

The Public Protection Service "largely accepted" those conclusions in relation to the mechanics of the ride. However, it expressed some concerns over customer noise.

"As this is the first of its type, it is very difficult to assess whether the swing will have a noise impact on the area," it stated.

"We have concern about noise from customers screaming while they are on the Swing, and how this can be managed."

The service has recommended conditions are imposed regarding operating hours and noise thresholds "to ensure that local residents are not affected".

Local residents have stated: "If the proposed plan is approved, we ask Cyngor Gwynedd to discuss the above matter with Zip World, to ensure that the company takes appropriate steps to mitigate our concerns."