Hundreds of homes planned for derelict theme park

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing

More than 500 homes - including a retirement village - could be built on the site of a derelict theme park in Derbyshire.

Once a major tourist attraction for the region, 'American Adventure' (pictured) near Ilkeston was a popular day out for thousands of families.

During its heyday the park was home to 'The Missile', the UK's top-rated rollercoaster, and its log flume 'Nightmare Niagra' was the country's highest.

But due to dwindling attendances the park closed in 2007 and in recent years has fallen into a derelict state.

Now, however, developer Waystone has been given the go-ahead from landowners Derbyshire County Council to seek planning permission to turn the 114-acre site into a mixed-use development incorporating at least 500 homes, a hotel, leisure facilities and offices.

A spokesperson for Waystone said a public consultation is expected to be under way in the next two to three months and the planning application will be submitted to Amber Valley Borough Council later this year.

The county council has been deliberating on the future of the former American Adventure site, now known as Shipley Lakeside, since the park's closure five years ago.