North Yorkshire tourist attraction’s mock castle at centre of planning row
A mock medieval castle built by a tourist attraction in the Yorkshire Dales is “harmful” and “obtrusive” government planners have said.
The 32ft structure at the Forbidden Corner, near Leyburn, was built without planning consent.
The Planning Inspectorate rejected an appeal against the Dales authority’s demolition notice but gave both sides nine months to come to a compromise.
The Forbidden Corner said it was “saddened” by the decision.
A retrospective application for the building had been submitted in June 2017 but was withdrawn at the end of July when officers recommended refusal.
In a decision letter the inspector agreed with the authority’s concerns about the impact on the historical landscape.
The inspector said the building was “obtrusive” and “has a harmful and disruptive effect on the understanding and enjoyment of the landscape”.
During its construction, the enforcement notice required the building be demolished or reduced in height.
The inspector dismissed attempts to cover up the building with fake ivy and screen it with planting saying the building was harmful to the “character, appearance and natural beauty of this part of Coverdale”.
John Reeves, manager of the Forbidden Corner, told BBC News: “We’re disappointed and saddened by the decision – there may be some sort of way of compromise with national park.”
In his report the inspector Anthony Wharton says: “I consider it appropriate to increase the compliance period to nine months.
“This will give the parties sufficient time in my view to consider whether there can be an acceptable alternative to what has been built.”
Forbidden Corner, set in four acres at the Tupgill Park Estate in Coverdale, is a unique labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, follies and uses the slogan “The Strangest Place in the World”.
The garden, set out as a maze, features statues, sculptures, towers, underground tunnels and a labyrinth with revolving floor, with visitors given a checklist of things to find on their visit.
