High wire plan falls through Leisure firm had not even approached council to use park
ABID to create a Go Ape-style high-wire course in a city park have fallen through as the applicant had not even spoken to the council about it.
The speculative planning application for a the high-wire assault course in historic Cannon Hill Park was withdrawn by applicant Roy Pearson – though it is likely it would have been refused anyway.
The Post understands Mr Pearson had not even approached the council for the right to operate the business in the park, so the project was doomed from the outset.
Planning applicants do not need a landowner’s consent to apply for permission to build on any site – although it would be a waste of money without an agreement.
Cllr Lisa Trickett who both represents Moseley and Kings Heath ward which includes the park, and is responsible for the city’s parks, said: “The planning application was purely speculative and was never something we would countenance.
“We do get interest from various businesses.
“But, with the crazy golf and rides, I believe the commercialisation of Cannon Hill Park has gone far enough. We have to protect the Victorian heritage of the park.
“It is frustrating that someone could put in a planning application without talking to us first.”
The aborted planning application was for an eight-metre high course constructed from timber poles and fixed wires. A lower level course would be installed for children.
Mr Pearson has not responded to the Post’s calls. But the initial planning application described him as a mountaineer and deep sea diver.
It said: “The proposal is to construct a high wire adventure course which will challenge young children and adults alike.
“It is the fun, thrill and physical aspect of the high wire course business which has attracted Roy to this activity and reunited him with his experience in climbing and mountaineering and the love of the great outdoors.”
The Post understands that while Cannon Hill Park is off the table, officials will talk to Mr Pearson about finding a more suitable site for his attraction.