Zip-line ride approved despite 'scream' fears

The new ride at Bethesda quarry has been approved, despite concerns expressed by some residents

A "new and exciting" adventure tourism ride that prompted concerns over the noise of screams from thrill seekers is set to swing into action in north Wales.

Planners have agreed to the development of a new giant six-seater Swing ride at Zip World's Penrhyn Quarry site, Gwynedd, despite concerns from some residents about the noise of "terror and thrill" from ride users.

It had been recommended for approval, which was granted at a Cyngor Gwynedd planning meeting on Monday.

Planning officer Gwawr Hughes told the meeting it was decided that "the benefits of the proposals balanced adverse impacts, with an overall neutral impact".

She said it was felt the situation could be dealt with by "appropriate conditions and processes" put in place to consider any complaints.

"This would ensure specific measures [are put] in place to mitigate any problems, if there is evidence of adverse noise."

She said public protection officers had accepted conclusions over machinery noise of the ride but they had felt there was a "lack of attention" paid to the potential for screams by customers on the swing.

"This is a concern of local residents, but is very difficult to predict," she said.

The proposal was considered by officers "in context" with other activities within the Zip World site, and it was "not expected to have significant adverse noise" impacts on residents.

Ms Hughes said: "Given the surrounding site's use as popular tourism destination, as well as its post-industrial location, and the economic benefit likely to be derived from the development, it was believed it would improve and widen the range of facilities available for visitors."

Cadw had raised concerns over the impact on the heritage site and monuments and there had been discussions, with condition and mitigation measures proposed, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

Landscape and visual assessments prepared by heritage experts had found the general impact on the World Heritage Site was "negligible to minor" and, in one case, a slight beneficial impact was identified.

'Zip World is genius idea'

An agent representing the company told the meeting it was "a new and exciting development" which would provide an "additional facility for tourists looking for adventure in north Wales".

Zip World's contribution to the economy of north Wales had been "significant by increasing the number of tourists and contributing to local employment", he added.

Councillor Louise Hughes said: "Zip World is a genius idea, which brings people to our stunning part of Wales.

"Whether we like it or not, tourism is the way forward."

She said Zip World was "a superbly managed operation, to the highest safety specifications, and I think we'd be short sighted to refuse this".