At Ralph Court Gardens in Edwyn Ralph near Bromyard, Herefordshire, new animatronic dinosaurs at the Dinosaur World attraction have been granted retrospective planning permission—albeit with strict noise restrictions following concerns over their loud and “out of context” sounds.
Stephen and Paula Morgan, the park’s operators, submitted a retrospective planning application in spring to regularize 11 new dinosaur models added within the grounds. While planning permission was originally granted in February of last year for the attraction, the Morgans had been unaware that these additional dinosaurs required separate approval.
Herefordshire Council’s planning enforcement officer requested an updated noise assessment alongside the retrospective application. This assessment introduced specific conditions: individual volume controls for each dinosaur, limits on operating hours, controls on how many animatronics can be active simultaneously, and installation of noise barriers or vegetation to mitigate sound.
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Despite the council’s environmental health officer citing complaints about the “screeches and horn-like sounds” as being inappropriate for the local environment, there were no formal objections from neighbors or the parish council.
Planning officer Jack Dyer acknowledged that although the dinosaur theme is not a natural fit with the surrounding landscape, visually the impact remains minimal. Still, he emphasized the need for ongoing sound controls to protect the public and nearby residents' amenity.
Consequently, the new dinosaurs will be subject to usage restrictions consistent with existing models—allowed to operate only between 10 am and 4 pm, with extended hours until 8 pm during Halloween and the Christmas season. The attraction must also comply with the council-approved noise management plan.
Mr. Morgan described navigating the planning process as “costly and time-consuming,” but noted it did not disrupt the visitor season. He also suggested the couple might consider further expanding the attraction in the future.