Plans for a huge theme park dubbed the "UK Disneyland" have been withdrawn.
The London Resort is set to be built on a site the size of 136 Wembley stadiums and boast features including a medieval-themed castle and lava waterfalls. The huge theme park in the southeast of England was scheduled to open in 2025, but plans have been rocked after a statement from the CEO announced the current application has been withdrawn - as Kent Live reports.
PY Gerbeau said: "In the best interests of the London Resort, we are withdrawing the current application; as a result of the classification of Tilbury as a Freeport which has meant revisions are required in moving the ferry terminal from Tilbury to Grays. We are working closely and collaborating with Thurrock Council on that matter.
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“This issue, combined with the decision by Natural England to designate a brownfield contaminated site as a SSSI has impacted the project. We in turn have acquired significant land holdings as part of our mitigation strategy combined with our commitment to spend £150m on environmental improvements on the peninsula.
"These changes are considered material and as such require withdrawal and resubmission. We have repeatedly petitioned for latitude, extensions of time and of course understanding from the Examining Authority and the Planning Inspectorate."
Mr Gerbeau said the group is working with the relevant teams and aims to submit a renewed application later this year.
He added: "“We will continue our engagement with the local community, statutory bodies, landowners and others to make sure we can reach as many agreements as possible before resubmission. Make no mistake we are still 100% committed to this amazing project and we will resubmit before the end of 2022 and look forward to delivering a world class entertainment resort – the UK deserves better and we will make it happen!”
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