Screams from new Zip World ride causing residents concerns

Possible screams from visitors enjoying a new zip-line ride in Gwynedd have sparked concerns for people living nearby.

Residents in Braichmelyn are worried a giant, six-seater Swing ride at Zip World at Bethesda quarry will cause "anti-social noise".

Plans have been submitted to Cyngor Gwynedd, along with a noise assessment which said there would be "no detrimental impact".

The application will be considered by the council on 20 October.

The recommendation is for the planning committee to approve the application with conditions.

The development, to the south west of the existing Zip World site, will feature a swing platform structure, ramp, landing structure, associated cables and anchor structures, as well as corresponding works at Penrhyn Quarry.

According to the preliminary noise assessment, predicted noise levels of the ride, taken at two sites representing the closest dwelling areas, were "far below the overall residual noise levels of 10 decibels or higher - suggesting that the noise would not be noticeable under normal conditions".

The Public Protection Service "largely accepted" those conclusions in relation to the mechanics of the ride. However, it expressed some concerns over customer noise.

"As this is the first of its type, it is very difficult to assess whether the swing will have a noise impact on the area," it stated.

"We have concern about noise from customers screaming while they are on the Swing, and how this can be managed."

The service has recommended conditions are imposed regarding operating hours and noise thresholds "to ensure that local residents are not affected".

Residents said: "If the proposed plan is approved, we ask Cyngor Gwynedd to discuss the above matter with Zip World, to ensure that the company takes appropriate steps to mitigate our concerns."