1 week Ago By [email protected] (Charlotte Phillips)
A zip line is set to open at a waterside leisure venue in Kent next year. Bosses at St Andrew's Lakes in Halling , near Strood, have confirmed visitors can expect the “unique adrenaline-filled experience” at the beauty spot. The site is nestled in the countryside and was transformed from a quarry into a blue lake reserve with a range of water and land based activities.
It’s billed as a “retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life” in a setting that “seamlessly combines breathtaking nature with the thrill of adventure”. In 2019, plans were submitted to build two zip wires and a tower, as well as other attractions, such as an outdoor activity centre. The plans were approved with conditions in July 2022, with many supporting the new venture.
In total, 94 letters of support were received, which praised the plans, with some saying it would create lots of jobs and be a good asset for the community. Others stated that it would be good for tourism and a great destination for children. However, Halling Parish Council objected to the proposal at the time, raising concerns over the potential noise the venture could cause.
In its response, the council said: “The zip wire operational noise and screaming will impact on people’s living conditions in St Andrews Park, Halling village. “Noise pollution, including from the zip wire, could affect wildlife and the peace and tranquillity of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).” 49 letters were also received which raised objections to the plans as a whole.
One person said the noise created by the zip wire would drive out remaining wildlife, with another stating it would be an eyesore. The Kent Downs AONB unit highlighted the need to consider the impact of the zip wire on the tranquillity of the site. In the plans, it was proposed two zip wires would be used between 9am and 8pm during the summer.
which would equate to 220 runs per day, a maximum of 10 runs per wire per hour. In winter, it would be open between 9am and 5pm. But, an acoustic assessment completed by the unit found that the zip wire noise was shown to be equal to the background noise measured.
It was concluded that the zip wires would have “no harmful effects”. There's a raft of activities available at the site already, including kayaking, diving, paddle-boarding, canoeing, open water swimming and sailing. For younger visitors there's an aqua park and daycare scheme with activities for 10 to 16 year-olds.
Media manager and content creator Hobbie Stuart has confirmed the two zip lines will be opening on Saturday, February 15. He said: “It’s something we’ve wanted to do since we opened and it’s a perfect setting to build something like that on, over a beautiful lake. And now, the time is right.
“Works technically started a couple of years ago when planning permission was approved but they started properly about six weeks ago. “It’s going to be a unique adrenaline-filled experience which will be available all year round.” It’s hoped the new attraction will be in place by the end of the winter.
Plans were also approved in 2022 to build luxury floating lodges at the site , which opened earlier this year. The fully-equipped pods sit beside what is known locally as the blue lake are aimed at those looking to get away for a holiday for a fraction of the price of going abroad. Read more: We try jetboarding at St Andrews Lakes in Halling The chalets each come with a number of amenities including wi-fi, a flat-screen television, a fully-kitted kitchen and a hot tub.
The popular sand beach also expanded this year with more loungers added..
