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Universal tries to ban drones over theme park site

Louise ParryBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageProject Universal An aerial view of the Kempston Hardwick Universal site, showing earthworks carried out by construction trucks and diggers. There is a bright blue digger on the back left, and two yellow trucks in the centre. There are trees and hills in the background.Project Universal
Project Universal has been documenting the development from overhead

Universal is trying to prevent people from flying drones over the site of its upcoming theme park in Bedfordshire.

It has issued "cease and desist" notices to ban "unauthorised drone filming". The site is not within a Flight Restriction Zone.

Project Universal, which describes itself as "an unofficial fan hub" for the resort and is in the process of changing its name to Project Bedford, frequently publishes drone footage of the development online.

In a statement on Facebook, it said it was "not personally breaking any laws by documenting the project", but added: "I'll make every effort to avoid flying over the site when contractors are present."

Project Universal said it had not personally received any notices about its drone flights, which were operated "with the correct registration and insurance".

News imageUniversal Destinations & Experiences/Comcast An artist's impression of the new Universal Studios theme park has a large body of water in the middle with various rides and lands around the edge.Universal Destinations & Experiences/Comcast
An impression of what the UK's first Universal Studios theme park will look like

The first Universal Studios theme park in the UK was granted planning permission by the UK government in December.

Universal Destinations and Experiences hopes to open the park from 2031, at a 268 hectares (662 acres) site south of Bedford.

Recent drone footage shows construction activity taking place at the former brickworks.

Writing on its website, the company said: "We appreciate the tremendous excitement for our project.

"However, as our site activity and preparation works increase, we have an important responsibility to consider and protect the safety and welfare of those working on-site.

"This includes managing unauthorised drone filming which we have experienced being undertaken at low altitudes, clearly identifying personnel and being shared online."

News imageProject Universal A drone shot of the fields at the Universal site, showing construction vehicles on the land including some diggers. There are many track marks in the soil. In the distance are lakes. Project Universal
Project Universal said its drones were operated by "a seasoned and knowledgeable" drone pilot

Project Universal said: "My drone flights have always taken place from public land and within the UK Drone Code, and there are currently no CAA flight restrictions in place over the site.

"That said, I want to be respectful.

"Going forward I'll continue following the UK Drone Code strictly, make every effort to avoid capturing faces or identifiable individuals, keep flights at a reasonable height, and avoid flying over the site when contractors are present.

"I believe in being a respectful member of the community and a responsible operator.

"My goal has always been - and will continue to be - to document the progress of this project safely and within the rules."

News imageAn aerial view of a row of 12 houses situated between fields and a former brickworks. The former brickworks is mostly made of concrete and there are arable fields to the front of the properties.
The land at Kempston Hardwick was bought by Universal Destinations and Experiences

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