[2026] Bluey Coaster in CBeebies Land

[Skyscraper]

You literally said that you didn't think that a separate vlogger visit would likely be organised.

Yes, but what I meant has been misinterpreted. This is the last I'm saying on the matter, but I will not tolerate being labelled naive.

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

Yes, but what I meant has been misinterpreted. This is the last I'm saying on the matter, but I will not tolerate being labelled naive.

You weren't being labelled as naive; your suggestion was described as naive. Conflating the two is, of course, a misinterpretation.

 

[Skyscraper]

You weren't being labelled as naive; your suggestion was described as naive. Conflating the two is, of course, a misinterpretation.

Stating that my suggestion is naive also infers that I am naive, though (which I am not; I know what I'm talking about).

Anyway, end of story.

 

[NuttySquirrel]

Steering this back to discussion of a Platinum passholders' event (rather than a vloggers event, which wasn't what the original post was about), it is good to see the park continuing to provide additional perks to Platinum passholders, and at no upcharge. it does seem that they're committed to offering a premium experience for those that are willing to pay for it.

 

[tayspru]

From: https://x.com/tayspru/status/2015512982738870648?s=46


Construction as of this weekend, themed pieces going in around the track !

 

[Hid]

From: https://x.com/tayspru/status/2015512982738870648?s=46


Construction as of this weekend, themed pieces going in around the track !

What is nice about this ride it really separates the look of the area from the Old Macdonalds Farmyard and Storybooke Land which many of the buildings and theming were just reused from that area

 

[Bert2theSpark]

Good to see they’re keeping up with the trend of good theming standards being a core aspect of the ride from Wicker Man, that head chopper that looks a bit like a washing line seems pretty cool!!

I think everyone was a bit whelmed from the first initial plans of a mild kiddie coaster, but in terms of CBeebies Land relativity this seems like a Secret Weapon in comparison to everything else in the area…

 

[Mykeprime]

Grannies you say....

 

[Ash]

Seems planning has been granted

Anyone know are the amendments the end of the meadows parking plan?

 

[Matt N]

Apologies if I’m missing something, but how is it that planning permission has only just been granted when the ride is practically fully built?

 

[Dave]

Apologies if I’m missing something, but how is it that planning permission has only just been granted when the ride is practically fully built?

The planning officers know if something is likely to get permission (the plans changed early on as the building was made smaller probably because the planning officers said that wouldn’t have got permission).

Sometimes businesses take risks and start construction before permission if they are confident permission is on its way.

A lot of planning departments are massively delayed at the moment due to some changes to approvals (we have had 18 month delays at our place), it’s complicated but related to Grenfell and cladding).

 

[Skyscraper]

The planning officers know if something is likely to get permission (the plans changed early on as the building was made smaller probably because the planning officers said that wouldn’t have got permission).

Sometimes businesses take risks and start construction before permission if they are confident permission is on its way.

A lot of planning departments are massively delayed at the moment due to some changes to approvals (we have had 18 month delays at our place), it’s complicated but related to Grenfell and cladding).

The building was made smaller in order to reduce the number of trees that would be lost.

 

[GooseOnTheLoose]

Apologies if I’m missing something, but how is it that planning permission has only just been granted when the ride is practically fully built?

It's quite fascinating. Reading through the planning documents, as essentially Merlin have been going back and forth with the council about this project for 14 months, which has seen the physical design of the ride altered (stacked station / maintenance bay, moved track) to satisfy planning officers.

The granting of full planning permission was delayed due to delays in signing the Section 106 Legal Agreement. The council and Merlin had to negotiate a legally binding contract to secure off site Biodiversity Net Gain.

The planners likely gave tacit approval early on, giving Alton Towers the confidence to proceed "at risk," knowing the outstanding issues were bureaucratic rather than fundamental. Although if permission was refused, they'd have to tear it down.

To put things in perspective, it took Merlin roughly twice as long to be granted planning permission for "Bluey: Here Come the Grannies", as it did for Universal to get permission to build their entire resort in Bedford.

Universal will never need to go to anyone for planning permission for an attraction in Bedford again, provided that they stick within the envelope designated in the SDO.

 

[rob666]

Retrospective planning permission has been a thing for a very long time.
A bit risky, but generally, if things are "within expected normal boundaries" for planning, companies tend to get away with it.

A local big business managed to squeeze a whole extra floor to their new office block that way...the roof stayed the same height, the boundaries of the building didn't expand...they got away with it with advice from the local planning dept.