THE planning application for a £3.5bn theme park dubbed the ‘UK Disneyland’ has been withdrawn.
Developers say they plan to resubmit the application for the London Resort later this year.
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The project, which was scheduled to open by 2025, has run into a number of problems since it began, mostly due to its location on the Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent.
A statement on the London Resort website today announced the theme park application was being withdrawn due to issues relating to the Tilbury ferry terminal.
The company’s chief executive 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.”
Last year, part of the Swanscombe Peninsula was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to a number of rare species in the area, including a tiny 1cm jumping spider.
That resulted in both the BBC and ITV pulling their interests from the theme park.
Developers say Natural England’s decision to designate the area a SSSI has impacted the project.
Mr Gerbeau continued: “The [Tilbury ferry terminal] 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.”
Mr Gerbeau emphasised that developers plan to resubmit an application before the end of the year.
He added: “Make no mistake, we are still 100 per cent 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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