Zip Wire Project in Tamar Valley Rejected

A proposal for a new tourist attraction, which included a series of zip wires, has been denied by planning authorities. This attraction was intended for an area designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. West Devon Borough Council declined the application for the “Tree Top Explorer” project, located at the Tamar Trails in Gulworthy, situated on the boundary between Devon and Cornwall. The council cited concerns that the development would adversely affect an environmentally sensitive region, specifically mentioning the felling of trees. Zip World’s proposal detailed four distinct “ride routes,” collectively spanning 400m (1312ft), which were designed to be linked by walkways affixed to trees. The council’s decision, issued on 6 November, acknowledged that the plan offered economic and tourism advantages. However, it concluded that these benefits were insufficient to counterbalance the detrimental effects on the environment and the peaceful character of the Tamar Valley. The Tamar Trails site presently features a “Tree Surfers” course, which incorporates walkways and zip wires, and also serves as a frequented path for walking and horse riding activities. Last year, Zip World introduced the £2 million proposal for this new treetop attraction. This followed their previous withdrawal of a separate plan for a toboggan ride through the ancient woodland. Additionally, the company requested authorization to establish 95 extra car parking spots and two coach parking spaces at the location. The company stated in its application that certain trees would need to be removed to accommodate the zip wire route, but these would be substituted with new native species. Rob Kinchin-Smith, a heritage consultant for the project, informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service at that time that the company possessed a strong history of implementing environmentally conscious projects in protected regions. He explained that the zip rail was intended to be positioned between the two existing tree adventure courses, thereby improving the visitor experience. He further stated, “There will be a limited amount of thinning of plantation trees and the rails will be under the canopy of the trees so will not be visible from a distance.” The planning application drew numerous formal objections from individuals including dog walkers, horse riders, and other parties worried about the potential impact on the Tamar Valley Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In its rejection of the application, the council stated that the developer had not adequately shown that the proposal “conserves, protects and enhances the landscape and scenic beauty of the Tamar Valley National Landscape.” The council elaborated, stating: “The application would result in significantly increased visitor trips to an unsustainable rural location with limited opportunities for sustainable and active travel. The character and nature of the proposed ride experience, intensity of use, associated noise effects and loss of trees would be detrimental to the conservation and enhancement of the Protected Landscape and its special features (with particular regard to tranquillity).”