The future of a Nottinghamshire maze and outdoor cinema site still hangs in the balance after a planning decision was delayed.
The Notts Maze is run by a local family in Lime Lane, Arnold. But the site is facing closure after applying for retrospective planning permission from Gedling Borough Council. The site has been open for four years and is in the green belt.
The council says the owners had not previously sought planning permission but have “continued to increase activities at the site”.
The application was recommended for refusal by the authority’s planning officers.
Gedling Borough Council said it has received “regular complaints” about the site relating to noise and anti social behaviour since July 2022.
The family running the site said earlier this week they would be “heartbroken” if it had to close.
Poll: Have you experienced problems with potholes on Notts' roads? Let us know here
B2B run activities at the site including a seasonal maize maze, bushcraft, laser quest, archery, axe throwing and an outdoor cinema which “make the most of the natural environment”.
The business employs around 45 people a year.
More than 2,000 people signed a petition in support of saving the activity site.
Farmer and land owner Ed Hammond said during a Gedling Borough Council planning meeting on April 26: “We are a local farming family that has been farming in Arnold since 1901.
“Agricultural subsidisations are coming to an end, something I believe serves no purpose in today’s family climate.
“Diversification is essential for farm businesses to address this legacy.
“We work voluntarily with the Scouts creating woodland, with Nottingham University showing students how we farm and the wildlife trust.
“As a business, we are committed to diversification to provide a public good.
“Working with operators such as Back2Basics and Into The Forest provides a means of opening up this private land to the public to enable recreation, exercise and fun.”
Kevin Cartwright, principle planning officer for Gedling Borough Council, said: “The main issue for consideration is the impact on openness in the green belt.
“Outdoor sport and recreation use may be considered appropriate in the green belt provided it preserves openness.
“It is considered that the access track, car parking and ancillary structures impact openness.
“The very special circumstances advanced by the applicant are not considered to outweigh the harm to the green belt.”
Councillor Paul Wilkinson, who represents Carlton for Labour, proposed that the application was deferred to “find a solution that works for everybody”.
He said: “To my mind, there is no doubt that the activities themselves on this site are popular and beneficial.
“I do have concerns about the ancillary structures and the car park. I would find it difficult to support the application as it stands.
“However I do feel that there is a solution to be found here, I do think work can be done to find a compromised solution that will work for both the green belt policy, the applicant and the borough.”
Councillor Sam Smith, who represents Trent Valley Conservatives, for the said: “I am usually against green belt development but if there is anywhere you can do outdoor activity, it is here.
“It is private land and the applicant is trying to open it up for public access.
“I support the motion to delay discussing the application.”
Councillor David Ellis, who represents Ernehale for Labour, added: “This is a very complicated proposal.
“I think there’s scope for a sensible compromise which preserves the green belt but allows the application to provide these activities.”
Councillor Meredith Lawrence, Labour councillor for Colwick, said: “I will support the deferment but I once say must again I am disappointed that here we have another application which is retrospective and has been going on for five years.
“All this could’ve been sorted out if planning permission had been applied for in the beginning.”
The application will be deferred to the next planning committee.
READ NEXT:
