November 25th 2012 : Residents to oppose Alton's Lodge Plans

[Liam-AltonTowers]

Quote from the TowerTimes news page:

'A local residents group named The Whiston Action Group are set to oppose the Resorts plans to build a fairytale village which are currently known as the Lodge Plans, these plans are set to bring 150 Lodges with arched roofs to the resort next to the current Alton Towers Hotel, Our previous article on these lodges can be found here.

A member of the group has stated that

"As a group, we plan to make a formal representation against these plans to both the district and county councils. It seems Alton Towers can just play the jobs card and get its plans approved, which isn't for the people who have to put up with all the traffic. We are whole-heartedly against this development."

This appeal could be drastic towards the resorts plans on building it's visitor input and overnight stays, a crucial part of their long term developments.

However a large majority of families believe the plans to be a great addition to the resorts expansion and see it as a major step forward.

What do you think will be the outcome of this? The plans are set to be voted on by the Staffordshire Moorlands Council within the next few weeks.

Keep up with the discussion on our forums, Don't forget to register to keep up with all the latest news!'

What do you think about this guys...?

[Chris]

Disappointing that these people have such a strong opinion on the project. Maybe I'm biased, but I don't honestly see an issue with the lodges.

I think they just have a problem with the resort expanding - but it's going to happen whether they like it or not.

If they are so pissed off with the traffic then maybe they should direct their anger at the cause of why the bypass never happened.

[The Moon]

They don't seem to have come across the word 'fun' recently have they?

[bensaund]

Not in my back yard...

If Alton want to install a 200ft drop tower or Sky Swing which would be visible for miles, then I would agree with them.

Looking at the plans, they don't go above the trees, so for anyone outside of the resort will not even notice them being there. How can they play the 'traffic card' as guests who will visit for two days will have to drive through the village to alternative accommodation, the lodges will actually reduce the traffic as if I was to stay in them, then I would only pass through the village twice rather than the current 4 times I do when I stay at the Premier Inn. Plus guests who stay on the resort are more than likely to arrive and leave at different times.

I can not see any valid reason for their objection, it is within the resorts grounds, won't cause a noise or visual problem, will add to local jobs and benefit everyone all round. If they turn it down, Alton will just appeal and get it pushed through. The accommodation is key to the future of the resort just as are key rides like SW7.

[DrReeve]

Let me at them ill show them How this park does wonders for them.Im sorry if im biased but anyone would love living near this theme park if you dont like the park. You could go look around the gardens (expensive )

[Hmv]

I live very close to the park and agree that the traffic can be "horrendous" sometimes. But i also do not see any point apposing these plans because if anything it will make the traffic better. Also whiston where this group says it is from has to put up with hardly any traffic compared to alton, cheadle and denstone.

[Ripsaw Raver]

i Hate to say it but im pleased, the last thing AT Needs is 3rd accomodation. You just imagine say in 2014 that you go to the park, and by 9:30 3 Hotels worth of guests are allready in the park via ERT, Ontop of Fastrack upsell the queueing would be diabolical, If you drive the chances are that you leave alittle earlier to get out, and if your in accomodation near by or onsite you then lap up the lack of guests with some last hour repeat rides, If you bulk that up with yet more accomodation these things will slowly deplete, And if you imagine say SF or Summerpeak time it will be hell to visit the park, Alton need to stop taking this accomodation trade, If they add more and cheaper accomodation surley this will detract interest into local B&B's.

[sweedish2009]

Bad traffic? BAD TRAFFIC?

They think they've got it tough, have they seen the tail back at Chessington on peak summer days? Absolute nightmare. They want to count themselves lucky they have a large, popular resort so close to them that offers jobs, revenue and advertises 'up north' very well.

The jobs card quote is pathetic. It's no card, its a fact. It will create more jobs, if they are seasonal, part time jobs it will help students and teenagers get the work experience they need and lets be honest, it would get them off the street corners drinking white lightning.

As like everyone else I'm very biased towards Alton Towers, but I will also look at situations from every point of view.

The only point of view the majority of locals has is negative. Without being OVERLY ageist, it's a group of old fuddy duddies stuck in a time warp who'd rather have a Emmerdale-esc village setting with no outsiders and nothing big and shiny.

The plans fit within the woodland and valley setting perfectly. Nothing ugly.

Rant over.

[ImURNemesis]

They were people who opposed Thirteen, and SW7. So realisticly, I don't think this will stop AT from going ahead with it.

[Roodlesnouter]

The proposed accommodation is more likely to reduce the traffic rather than increase it.

I do think the road into AT is pathetic though. As a world class resort with major future plans for expansion access to the park surly needs to be improved. Over the years i have seen plans for a bypass yet it has never come to fruition.

If all the ideas from the plans come into play then attendance will grow, traffic will increase and we will get more and more grumpy groups complaining.

What is the reason for not putting the bypass in already? I can imagine costs to be the main Reason but dont AT already pay for the upkeep of the current road System?

Seems to me building a bypass would path a quieter way in the future whilst giving greater access and Exit from the resort.

At least until a action against the bypass group pipes up.

[ImURNemesis]

Does anyone have a link to the quotes made by "this group"?

[Hmv]

Haven't heard much about the bypass plans lately, but the last traffic calming plans was to reopen the rail line through oakamoor and have a station down in the valley, but I haven't heard any fresh news on that for the best part of a year!!

[Benji]

Has anybody got any links about the bypass? I can't seem to find any

[haydn!]

Fortunately for Alton Towers, we live in a time where councils are desperate to get local economies back on the move and nimby's carry less weight than they did perhaps 4-5 years ago. The plans will be accepted as it guarantee's jobs, and will increase spending in the local economy.

[Chris-TT]

Its a great concept, however The sad thing is that this will take away a lot of business from small business owners who run similar accommodation and B&B's.
Great it may create 50 new jobs, but put as many local businesses out of business.

I much preferred the concept of a casino hotel. I know this was some years back and  was quite controversial idea, but it attracts/appeals the adult clientele and would probably generate similar income to that of the park itself.

[scw55]

In my experience with my family when growing up, is that the time we arrive and leave our holiday destination, it's off-peak road time.

We arrive at like 8pm. We leave at midday despite believing we'd leave at 9am.

I'm pretty sure this is standard for all families. It's impossible to stick to realistic schedule.

The lodge will encourage less 'day' visitors. Thus the traffic on the roads will be more spread through out the day.

Ironically this may help any traffic problems by averaging out the road users over the days.

And the addition of the Lodges might encourage tasteful improvements on the roads.

But yeah, those locals have no grounds to complain about traffic. My local town has terrible traffic because the town is a through-place. Single lane street road with communters travelling through it from both sides. This is during Winter when there are no tourists. In fact tourists rarely affect it.

And it's rediculous stating it's a "job" card. It creates jobs. That's what the expansion will do. It is not a card. It is fact. We have a climate where employment is challenging, and it's even more challenging in rural areas (I've been job seeking for over a year). Complaining about abuse the fact it will create jobs is pathetic. They come across as Middle-Class twits. The world must revolve around me! I'm sorry mate. The world doesn't work like that.

[Roodlesnouter]

[quote author=Chris-TT link=topic=34442.msg691578#msg691578 date=1353994668]
Its a great concept, however the sad thing is that this will take away a lot of business from small business owners who run similar accommodation and B&B's.
Great it may create 50 new jobs, but put as many local businesses out of business.
I much preferred the concept of a casino hotel. I know this was some years back and  was quite controversial idea, but it attracts/appeals the adult clientele and would probably generate similar income to that of the park itself.
[/quote]

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Stating That 50 local businesses will go out of business is a little exteme.

I think AT will pitch higher prices than local B&Bs.

If AT do pitch at higher prices the local economy will be better off. Businesses will thrive of the extra footfall. Granted most will Be there Only for AT but some will stay longer in the area spending there hard earned in the local businesses, all because AT built a few new huts. Half of those local businesses wouldn't survive with AT in the first place. AT know there place in the Community and I believe they put a Lot of effort in to be a good neighbour.

Casino Hotel does sound more my thing though.

[scw55]

The hotel is pretty expensive and I imagine the Lodges will be in the same market.
If the Lodges are close/in the park, people will be willing to pay more to stay there.

I highly doubt the local 'Inn' businesses will be affected at all. People who don't mind staying a bit of a distance from the park will still come and appreciate the reasonable rates.

When I visit Alton Towers next year I am going to stay in a B&B because it's cheaper. Also because it'll be out of the park, I can visit other places in the area. Why pay a lot of money to stay in that area if all I am going to see is Alton Towers?

If Alton Towers develops the park into something you must spend more than one day in, then local 'inns' will benefit. People will want somewhere to stay. And they won't want to spend a night in I assume will be more expensive Alton Lodges.

[leeprice]

It's sad really, the locals should be happy for the boost in the local economy. I can't imagine why anyone would want to oppose the plans.

The park is only open 6 months of the year, so even if the lodges are open throughout the year I can't imagine them being hugely busy during closed season.

AT also invest heavily in local roads as part of the planning agreement, so I don't think there's anymore AT can do if it is to continue to be the most popular theme park in the UK.

On the other hand, during busier times I think AT will need longer opening hours to combat the increased queuing times.

[Kenzie2012]

These people get right on my goat... Get them a weekend trip to Amsterdam on Merlin and see what they say when they return,