2,100ft sea front zip wire plans approved

The zip wire attraction could be up and running by the summer, the applicants said

Plans for a 2,100ft (650m) long zip wire experience in Scarborough’s North Bay have been approved, despite concerns about its possible visual impact.

The line, which will run between two steel-framed towers, was given the go-ahead by councillors on Thursday, despite planning officers recommending its rejection.

One councillor said the plan was "perfect" for the North Yorkshire seaside town.

The organisation behind the zip wire proposal, Big Bang Promotions (BBP), said it hoped the attraction would be up and running by the summer.

The experience will consist of several zip lines, which will be around 115ft (35m) high, running between the two towers, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

The wire will run from the former Mr Marvel’s Leisure Park to south of the Scalby Mills Miniature Railway Station.

About 170 people had written to North Yorkshire Council in support of the scheme, while 40 objected to it.

A previous proposal for the zip line was considered in February, but a decision on that was deferred at the time.

North Yorkshire Council officers had since recommended to councillors that amended plans for the site should be turned down.

One councillor said he feared the zip line would affect other visitors' "quiet enjoyment" of the North Bay

But speaking at Thursday's Scarborough and Whitby planning committee meeting, Councillor Rich Maw said: “This is perfect for Scarborough. If we reject the plan, what kind of message does it send out to other potential investors?

“The public will shake their heads in disgrace if we turn this away.”

However, Councillor Subash Sharma said protecting the North Bay’s amenities took priority, adding: “There is no intention to bring additional tourism."

The zip wire would "intrude into the quiet enjoyment of people who already come and enjoy the amenities", Mr Sharma added.

Speaking after the plans were approved, James Field, the applicant and owner of BBP, said he was “delighted”.

It was “a fantastic opportunity for Scarborough”, Mr Field added.

“We are very pleased as it’s been a very long process which we first started looking at during Covid."

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