A further revised planning application to construct a fully accessible high ropes course at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre will go to Planning Committee.



If approved, it would enable visitors, including disabled users, the chance to access a ropes course and would be the first of its kind in the North West.

Late last year an application was submitted for the course but was was temporarily put aside while concerns were looked at concerning the Waterloo Conservation Area.

A Heritage Impact Assessment was carried out to address the concerns which will be highlighted and included in the amended planning application.

The application will be assessed by Sefton Council’s planning team in the coming months and all comments will be considered. At this moment in time no decision has been made on the application.

Following previous consultation with local residents, businesses, and Sefton Council’s Conservation officer, the proposal includes:

A reduction in the proposed height of the course by 2m (from 14m to 12m)

The selection of an alternative location nearer the lake and away from properties to reduce the height even more

The selection of an alternative location further away from the conservation area

Adaptations to the orientation and design of the course to reduce the visual impact

Soft planting introduced around the security fence to soften the appearance of it

The proposed course will consist of 6 distinct activity types; team challenges, a climbing wall, high level traverse, low level traverse, activities for people with disabilities and ‘freefall descenders’.

The materials used to construct the course will be in-keeping with those used on the existing building and play equipment area near by.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said:

“The Heritage Impact Assessment addresses further concerns made by local residents and highlights benefits of the scheme including employment, tourism and economic opportunities along with education, recreation and inclusion benefits.

“As we have said earlier, we firmly believe the introduction of a high ropes course at Crosby Lakeside would not only generate additional visitors and income for the centre, but for the entire coastal park and surrounding businesses.

“The Sefton coast is one of our real assets and through schemes like this it will enable Crosby Lakeside to offer more – especially to disabled people.

“If approved, this would be a fantastic facility that would give visitors, including disabled users, the chance to access a high quality ropes course in an incredible setting, and would be the first of its kind in the North West.

“Throughout this whole process we have been open and transparent, have worked with local residents and businesses to proactively seek feedback and we value their input.

“At this moment in time no decision has been made and it will be assessed by the planning team with all comments to be considered.”

Letters are also being delivered to nearby residents asking for further comments before the application is heard at Planning Committee.