Go-ahead for £1m adventure golf attraction in blackpool

The 18-hole floodlit adventure golf course is set to be built on land immediately north of Central Pier.

But Gaynor Sedgwick, the businesswoman behind the scheme, said delays in getting planning permission meant the investment would now be put back a year.

When plans were originally submitted last November, it had been hoped to start work in time to open the attraction in time for the 2015 season.

But Ms Sedgwick said: “There were no objections to the scheme but we had to go back and forth with the planners a few times to get to where we are now.

“We’re very pleased to have got planning permission but the delay has put us back.

“The building work will take 18 to 20 weeks and we don’t want to be disrupting everybody on the Promenade during the season so it will be carried out in time for next season now.

“It is something to draw people in for all the traders in that area.”

The application was approved by planning officers using their delegated powers.

Gary Johnston, head of planning at Blackpool Council, said: “We felt the original scheme projected too far in front of the pier head building and we wanted it to sit back more.

“There is a desire to try and consolidate attractions in what is identified as the resort core which this falls within.

“It is seen as bolstering the attractions we have got on Central Pier.”

The adventure golf course will be based on an ‘around the world’ concept with landmarks such as Niagara Falls and the Great Wall of China depicted in the theme, as well as a New York skyline and the Wonders of the World.

Blackpool already has mini golf courses including an indoor one inside the Golden Mile Centre, and one adjacent to the Pleasure Beach.