Halloween Attraction Faces Planning Dispute Over Green Belt Operations

A planning dispute has emerged concerning an application by a Halloween scare attraction to continue its operations within a green belt area. The Doncaster Fear Factory has sought permission from Doncaster Council to reclassify land at Thornhurst Manor Country Park for use as an outdoor attraction, which would include marquees, event “structures,” and shipping containers. This application is retrospective, as the marquees have been situated on the site since 2020. The event organizer stated that allowing the attraction to remain permanently would stimulate the local economy and “put the city on the map,” but council planning officers have expressed reservations regarding its potential impact on the surrounding environment. The Halloween event operates for two weeks in October, accommodating 200 visitors per evening session, with 40 individuals allotted to each pre-booked 30-minute time slot. Additional part-time staff are employed to manage traffic flow and crowd safety at Thornhurst Manor, located near Askern, which is an established hotel, wedding venue, and golf course. Writing on Facebook, managing director Laurie Murray, who founded the Fear Factory in her parents’ garden at 18, commented: “I’ve been working hard to secure planning permission for Doncaster Fear Factory – a event we’re all extremely proud of. However, we’ve been facing challenges with the application.” She further added: “This event is more than just fun; it’s bringing 140 seasonal jobs to Doncaster and injecting thousands of pounds into the local economy. It’s an opportunity to put Doncaster on the map and give our community something exciting to do, attracting tourism and driving more activity in the area.” Following her appeal for public support on social media, a significant number of comments favoring the proposal have been submitted to Doncaster Council’s planning portal. Ms. Murray, however, asserted that council planners had reportedly indicated they would not approve the application, and Owston Parish Council had also lodged an objection to the plans for the attraction to operate at the country park. The application was initially scheduled for a decision by October 22, but a determination has not yet been made. In a representation statement, the parish council declared: “It seems apparent that the owners have no regard for planning as, once again, they are making a retrospective application for the above change of use of land.” The parish council further stated: “The parish council opposes this application, not only on the above grounds, but also, because of the fact that previous events have been poorly managed, with many complaints.” They concluded: “We feel that the management of Thornhurst have no regard for the local population, and will continue to do as they like.” Doncaster Council’s principal planning officer noted that despite the event structures being described as temporary, they remained in place year-round in a green belt location. In their submission, they added: “The main elements of the proposed visitor attraction are indoor structures which are not provided as appropriate facilities in connection with the change of use of land for outdoor recreation.” They concluded: “As such, the proposal is inappropriate development in the green belt.” It was also stated that the applicant would be required to demonstrate “exceptional circumstances” for the development to be granted permission. Andy Wiltshire, the council’s senior highways development control officer, indicated his opposition to the application, citing concerns about inadequate parking for 200 vehicles, which could potentially depart the site simultaneously. Conversely, senior environmental health officer Fiona Boothroyd’s submission stated: “The Fear Factory has been in operation for four years and there have never been any noise complaints or other issues to my knowledge associated with the running of this event on the site.” The BBC has contacted Doncaster Fear Factory for comment.