Abandoned Camelot theme park homes plan revealed

A fresh plan for housing on the site of the former Camelot theme park has been put forward.

Developer Story Homes wants to build 350 houses on the land at Charnock Richard, Chorley, which has been derelict since the attraction shut down in 2012.

The company applied to build similar schemes there in 2017 and 2019, but both were refused.

The plans faced objections over the use of greenbelt land.

As part of the application to Chorley Council, Story Homes has asked for a “screening opinion” to determine whether the an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be needed.

An EIA gives planners information about potential effects on the environment before a formal planning application is made.

The application said the new proposed development would “deliver a mix of much-needed family homes and a community hub that can offer an accessible local facility for the community” while protecting “existing sensitive habitats, such as areas of ancient woodland”.

It said: “While the proposed development proposes a change in land use, predominantly from a vacant former theme park site to residential dwellings, this is in keeping with the surrounding environment.

“The area is characterised by development including residential dwellings to the west, and M6 to the east which is already an urbanised area and would therefore not distinctly change the character of the area.”

Camelot, which was closed after visitor numbers dwindled, was open for 29 years and was themed around Arthurian legend.

The derelict park has since been used to host pop-up events including a “zombie experience”.