THE magical world of Harry Potter could return to Cheshire for the next five years if plans get the go ahead.
Late last year, Arley Hall hosted Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience for the first time, with fans visiting the popular attraction from all over the country.
In the months prior, nearby residents had raised concerns over the impact the event would have on the local area and surrounding roads.
But operators Ravenswood Experiences have now applied to Cheshire East Council for planning permission to temporarily change the use of the land for a five-year period.
If approved, the Harry Potter experience would return annually between October and January, with opening hours of 4pm to 11pm.
According to a planning statement submitted as part of the application, the 2021 event brought more than £5 million to the Cheshire economy.
The statement, prepared by Rural Solutions on behalf of Ravenswood Experiences, said: "This proposal seeks permission for the sustainable addition to an existing business which provides income to conserve and maintain the heritage assets of the Arley estate.
"The event proposed is for a temporary period and seeks to provide a rural tourism/leisure development which complements the established use and business and respects the character of the landscape whilst also retaining the openness of the green belt.
"Overall, it is considered that the proposed development fully reflects the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework in helping to ensure that the Green Belt remains open, the landscape character is protected and that a prosperous rural economy is provided for.
"New small-scale event/tourist facilities will generate tangible social and economic benefits that will enhance the future vitality of Arley and its heritage assets, the wider locality and Cheshire and it has been fully evidenced the proposal will not create any environmental harm."
The Forbidden Forest Experience is a night-time woodland trail, about 2km long, which takes visitors through wooded areas at the Grade II listed Arley Hall.
Lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, visitors will be able to see some of the most iconic forest scenes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
In addition to the trail itself, a ‘Magical Village’ will be created at the end of the trail comprising temporary structures to sell a variety of food and drink, as well as Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merchandise.
The planning statement added that visitors to the site will be required to book a specific time slot in advance of their visit.
Each available time slot has a limited visitor capacity to allow sufficient time for guests to complete the trail at their own pace and ensure visitor numbers at the site to be easily managed.
To view and comment on the plans, search reference 22/2503M on the council's online planning portal.
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