Go Ape Extension Battersea Park 2022/3095

The Battersea Society objects strongly to this application for an extension of Go Ape to provide a 'plummet feature' as part of its operation within the Grade2* historic Battersea Park. The  proposal to add this plummet feature to the existing layout would extend the area of Go Ape outside its existing boundaries by requiring a support wire to a tree in the park area towards the boules ground. This would be a visual intrusion directly visible from Sun Gate across the junction of the two carriageways. While diagrammatic illustrations are given, the actual layout and access within the Go Ape area is only provided in obscure line diagrams which are difficult to relate to the enterprise on the ground (for example where is the cafe seating area and access to the Putt in Park course?). It is not totally clear where this new feature would be accessed. 

No figures are given of the stress on this support cable or the potential impact it could have on the tree. Sections 1.37 and 1.38 of the conservation Area Management strategy stress the importance of protecting tress with the conservation area, this application cannot be said to offer this protection. 

Operation of Go Ape within its existing perimeter is successful and a positive offer in the park. Extension beyond, with a cable intruding across vistas and pedestrian areas, should not be granted permission given the need to protect and maintain the general integrity of the historic park. We recommend that this application is refused.