The popular Midlands attraction, Dinosaur World at Ralph Court Gardens in Edwyn Ralph near Bromyard, Herefordshire, has secured retrospective permission for 11 additional animatronic dinosaurs, despite concerns over the noises they emit.
Operators Stephen and Paula Morgan applied in spring for retrospective planning consent after discovering they needed a separate application for the new dinosaurs in a different part of the gardens. While the original attraction had approval granted in February of last year, the new batch required updated permissions.
Herefordshire Council’s planning enforcement officer requested an updated noise assessment to accompany the application, as noise limits had been part of the original terms. This assessment set maximum volume levels for the dinosaur models, specifying individual volume controls, restricted operational hours, limits on how many models could be activated simultaneously, and suggested noise mitigation through barriers or vegetation.
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Despite these precautions, the council’s environmental health officer noted complaints concerning the “screeches and horn-like sounds” being “out of context” with the tranquil local environment. However, no formal objections were raised by neighbours or the local parish council.
Planning officer Jack Dyer acknowledged that, although the garden’s dinosaur theme contrasts with the natural surroundings, the overall visual impact on the wider landscape was minimal. He emphasized the importance of enforcing controls to protect both public enjoyment and the amenity of nearby residents.
As a result, conditions were imposed mirroring those for the existing models: the dinosaurs are allowed to operate between 10am and 4pm, extending to 8pm during the Christmas and Hallowe’en seasons, all within an approved noise management plan.
Mr Morgan described the planning process as “costly and time-consuming” but stressed it had not disrupted the attraction during the season. Looking ahead, the couple indicated they may consider further expansions of Dinosaur World.