A Nottinghamshire business that offers a large maze, laser tag and a cinema is hoping to take the 'final step' in ensuring its future. Business B2B are hoping to at last get formal planning permission to continue to host laser tag, archery, an outdoor cinema, an expansive maize maze, and bush craft events off Lime Lane in Arnold.
The activities have been taking place on the site without planning permission since 2018, with businesses holding talks with Gedling Borough Council since 2020 to try to find a solution to the situation. The business operated without the benefit of planning permission between 2018 and 2021 without complaint, but recent attempts at further diversification into new uses such as music festivals took place in 2022 and resulted in a number of complaints from neighbours.
A B2B staff member said: "We've been talking with Gedling for the past few years and we are finally in a place where we could send something in - it has taken quite a while and toing and froing. They've [Gedling Borough Council] been really good and allowed us to continue with day to day use, and have reassured us about what we can do.
"It's been quite a long chat because of the different types of uses. It has been a bit awkward - some things are extremely seasonal like the maize maze and you can only have it in certain areas due to crop rotation, so it even goes down to little things like that.
"We finally came to a point where Gedling were happy for us to send an application in so we're just waiting for their comments. It's the final step for us really."
Planning documents said 11,250 visitors had come to the attraction in 2022, up from 5,900 in 2019. The applicant said the "popular local attraction" employed up to 45 staff during a year.
The venue has now taken the decision to not continue hosting further festivals or large scale music events on the site, with them not forming part of the current application. The staff member added: "We did a few music festivals, but then we had a neighbour who didn't like what we were doing so it brought the plans forward.
"We've decided that's not really our cup of tea. From our point on view we want to get it all sorted and get back to doing what we do best.
"We're a local business from Calverton, so we're only over the hill. So we're just trying to provide different activities for the local area, and bring something to Gedling.
"Fingers crossed everything will get signed off how we want it and we can be here for many years to come. It really is the sort of last tick we need to push on." The planning application is pending consideration by Gedling Borough Council.
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