Universal considering UK theme park in Bedford

[MackMan]

I would say Labour being voted in will be a tailwind to help move things forward. I do worry if Starmer loses the next election the next government would go back on this decision.

For me I think the main threat to this project in the UK is the "not in my backyard!" Crowd. What about traffic, what about busy traffic on trains, what about our stretched police force, what about the noise? It seems as though the UK is particularly ample at moaning like Alton's miserable Karen's next door, so yeah I do feel we may see some local opposition because we want change but everyone wants change but doesn't want it next to us lol

 

[Nicky Borrill]

On the grapevine, reliable sources on one of the Orlando forums were suggesting 2031 as an opening year, which I think sounds feasible.

Out of interest, where has it been said about this project having an SDO and what exactly does that mean? I’d have expected a DCO more like the London Resort had, wherein there was a further 18 month planning process.

It was being regurgitated in mainstream media and social media earlier this week, apparently it was originally from a Bloomberg article, but the one I read doesn't actually say the SDO is approved specifically, so I'm not actually 100% sure where that detail originates.

At this point, the SDO part is pretty solid. I too was expecting a DCO, but apparently (according to the article linked above) it's been known that it would be an SDO for a while. I don't fully understand them, they're very new to me. But it's my understanding, from the limited research I've done, that an SDO is the easiest and most efficient way for the government to get critical infrastructure projects through planning. All decisions are taken by the government centrally, with comparatively very little consultation, and even less public consultation, than regular planning, and even a DCO.

Official information is scarce....

Special Development Orders: Decisions

Planning permissions granted by means of a Special Development Order. Only applies to England.

www.gov.uk

Town and Country Planning Act 1990

An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to town and country planning (excluding special controls in respect of buildings and areas of special architectural or historic interest and in respect of hazardous substances) with amendments to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission.

www.legislation.gov.uk

But this is what Google AI says.



If anybody has any more detail to share on these orders it would be very much appreciated.