Slip and slide to reopen after appeal process

Planning permission for a slip and slide in Cornwall has been approved, following an appeal process by its owner.

The tourist attraction Kernow Slide was originally refused planning permission by Cornwall Council in February 2025 but reopened despite the refusal, while the decision was appealed.

Residents near the attraction at Cardinham Woods told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the 145m water slide was in the wrong area and created noise in a quiet setting while also situated on a narrow road with its entrance on a dangerous bend.

A government planning inspector disagreed with the council's decision and allowed the business temporary use of the land for three years.

Cornwall Council refused permission stating the attraction was in "an unsuitable location which was heavily reliant on a private vehicle and is not accessible by a range of transport modes and failed to protect landscape character".

It added: "The benefits to the tourist economy do not outweigh the harm caused through the unsustainability of the location together with the adverse impact upon the rural character and appearance of the area."

Inspector Gwilym Powys Jones said the visual impact on the character and appearance of the countryside was "very limited".

Mr Jones said: "There is no clear evidence before me that the use has run to its full potential where its possible impacts could possibly be different, particularly with regard to parking, traffic levels, littering, pollution, noise and disturbance."

"On balance, I consider a permission to be warranted but for a temporary period enabling the council to assess its effects and general management so that it has a more complete picture than at present if an application is eventually made for a permanent permission."

The attraction is set to reopen in May.

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