Go ahead for 'high nets' activity course near popular Greater Manchester beauty spot

Plans for a ‘high nets’ activity course near a popular Rochdale beauty spot have been given the go-ahead. The ‘action adventure’ facility will be based at Hollingworth Lake, next to the Pavillion Cafe, on Rakewood Road.

It forms part of the council’s ‘masterplan’ for the country park, which aims to increase the number of ‘land based’ activities at the site. Documents submitted with the application say participants will get the chance to ‘climb, roll, bounce and play’ on the course, which is suspended 10m high in the air and designed for the young and old.Described as being ‘perfect’ for children aged six and upwards, it will be open for general use as well as being available for team-building activities, parties and school groups. However, objections have been raised over loss of habitat, increased traffic problems and the impact on the overall character of the area.READ MORE: Rochdale council to forge ahead with station square revamp despite blow

Stephanie Mills, who runs the established Dickey Steps Riding School, also based at Rakewood Road, told the meeting she feared that the high ropes course would spell the ‘demise' of her business. Ms Mills explained that the course would create a ‘scary environment’ for her horses and possibly trigger a ‘flight response’

“As you can appreciate, it is paramount for my customers’ experience that they are able to feel safe while riding the horses,” she said. “The application as it currently stands creates an unsafe environment for us to continue our route safely around the lake."

She asked the panel to defer the application to enable both parties to come up with a solution to the issue.

Paul Clayton, from Smithy Bridge, also spoke out against the loss of habitat - including a