A popular “mega slide” attraction located in a farm field west of Wimborne is aiming to become an annual event, but not without stirring controversy. Since opening in 2022, the slide has drawn significant visitor interest thanks to its unique use of the natural landscape. Now, the operators want to extend its operation from a 28-day window to a six-week period covering school summer holidays.
The slide sits on land owned by Meadow Farm in Corfe Mullen, adjacent to the busy A31 between the Vines Close farm shop and the Coventry Arms. The company behind the attraction, Neat Productions from Cornwall, has submitted a planning application to Dorset Council to run the slide yearly from mid-June to mid-September.
Currently, the attraction operates for 28 days without formal planning consent, but the new proposal would allow a longer seasonal presence with controls in place to mitigate impact. The operator emphasizes that visitors must pre-book to control numbers due to limited parking, reducing strain on local roads.
READ MORE: Search underway for missing 16-year-old girl with distinctive facial tattoos
READ MORE: What You Can Do When Seagulls Become a Nuisance
Nigel Mcalwane of Neat Productions states, “The attraction offers a safe, family-friendly outdoor activity that supports local tourism and rural economic diversification. All infrastructure is temporary and removed after the season, preserving agricultural land.”
The operators assure that minimal alterations to the site are necessary, with no permanent infrastructure or changes to local access points. Measures include careful placement to respect the area’s landscape character, biodiversity, and neighbor privacy.
Despite these assurances, objections have surfaced from residents and local councils. Concerns focus on increased traffic congestion and safety risks created by cars entering and exiting the site on a busy route. Noise disturbance and potential impacts on nearby wildlife habitats, including the River Stour, have also been cited.
A Corfe Mullen resident commented, “The additional traffic during peak summer months will exacerbate existing problems, and noise from events could significantly disrupt local life.” Similarly, a Wimborne resident warned that the slide’s visibility from the road might distract drivers and lead to accidents.
Sturminster Marshall Parish Council has formally objected as well, highlighting the visual impact on the Green Belt and nearby Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While they urge caution, the council has recommended that if approved, permission should be limited to a temporary three-year period with strict conditions against expansion.
The application remains open for public comment through early August as Dorset Council considers the proposal balancing economic benefits against environmental and safety concerns.