Water slide application for longer summer opening

Mega Slip and Slide has operated since 2022 in a field beside the A31

A summer water slide attraction in a farm field has applied to extend its season to cover the whole of the school holidays.

Mega Slip and Slide has operated since 2022 beside the A31 near Corfe Mullen, Dorset.

Its owners' planning application says it already has the right to open for a 28-day period, although it is taking bookings on its website from this week until 31 August.

Sturminster Newton Parish Council has objected to the plan because of "visual intrusion" and "hazardous" access for cars.

Operator Borne Events Ltd, which has a similar attraction beside the A30 at Blackwater, Cornwall, said it was seeking permission to open annually.

It said the Dorset slide, at Meadow Farm, "offers a safe, family-friendly outdoor activity that supports local tourism and contributes to rural economic diversification".

The planning application adds: "The site is located in a rural setting and has been carefully designed to respect landscape character, biodiversity and residential amenity."

It argues there is good road visibility in at the site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, residents have raised concerns about increased traffic and the chance of passing motorists being distracted by the sight of the 120m (393ft) slide.

The parish council said: "The proposed development would result in visual intrusion within the Green Belt.

"The highway access is considered hazardous."

Dorset Council is inviting comments until 4 August.