Eden Project gains planning approval as £100m attraction edges nearer

Lancaster City Council has approved a Section 73 application allowing significant changes to the attraction's previously-consented design, while retaining the overall vision of creating a major visitor destination on Morecambe seafront.

The revised plans feature a new layout centred around the Realm of the Sun, Realm of the Moon, and Metronome structures, alongside gardens, public spaces, education facilities, retail areas, food and drink outlets, and an outdoor performance arena.

Permission was first given in 2022

Earlier planning documents show the redesign reduces both the building footprint and overall height compared with the scheme approved in 2022.

Planning officers recommended approval after receiving responses from a wide range of consultees, including Natural England, National Highways, the Environment Agency, Historic England, Lancashire County Council, and United Utilities.

One of the most significant issues raised during the planning process related to the project's potential impact on internationally protected bird populations in Morecambe Bay.

Natural England initially maintained an objection, saying further information was required regarding non-breeding bird surveys and possible impacts on protected habitats.

However, following the submission of additional ecological evidence and mitigation measures, the organisation withdrew its objection and confirmed it had no concerns subject to planning conditions.

The agreed measures include controls on lighting, monitoring of bird collisions, environmental management plans, and education and outreach programmes linked to the protected habitats surrounding the site.

Transport impacts were also heavily scrutinised.

National Highways examined the effects of visitor numbers on the strategic road network, including M6 Junction 34, before ultimately concluding it had no objection to the plans.

One of the issues raised during the planning process related to the project's potential impact on internationally protected bird populations in Morecambe Bay

The approval is linked to travel planning measures, monitoring arrangements, and traffic management commitments designed to encourage sustainable transport.

Updated planning documents show the project is now based on a projected annual attendance of around 585,000 ticketed visitors, with a design capacity of up to 740,000 visitors a year.

The outdoor arena would have a maximum capacity of 6,000 people.

Environmental assessments submitted with the application concluded the development would not have an adverse effect on the integrity of protected Morecambe Bay habitats when mitigation measures are taken into account.

A Water Framework Directive assessment also found the project would not damage the status of nearby coastal and transitional water bodies and would remain compliant with environmental objectives through the use of sustainable drainage systems and pollution controls.

Flood risk and drainage were another major focus of the application.

The Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authority, and United Utilities all ultimately raised no objection, subject to conditions and detailed design requirements.

Drainage proposals include attenuation features, rain gardens, permeable paving, and rainwater harvesting systems intended to manage surface water runoff before it is discharged into existing drainage infrastructure.

Heritage specialists also backed the revised plans.

Historic England concluded any impact on nearby heritage assets, including the Grade II* listed Midland Hotel and the Winter Gardens, would be outweighed by the wider public benefits of the development.

The decision notice confirms planning permission has been granted, subject to a series of conditions and legal agreements covering matters including transport, environmental mitigation, education initiatives, and long-term site management.

The approval represents the latest major step forward for the long-awaited Eden Project Morecambe, which supporters believe could transform the town's economy by attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and acting as a catalyst for wider investment across Morecambe Bay.