Robot Dinosaurs Roar Into Legal Existence
Animatronic dinosaurs at a popular Herefordshire attraction have officially been given the green light by local authorities, despite their prehistoric screeches being deemed 'out of context' with the peaceful countryside surroundings.
Retrospective Approval for Dinosaur Expansion
Stephen and Paula Morgan, operators of Ralph Court Gardens at Edwyn Ralph near Bromyard, sought retrospective planning permission in spring 2025 for 11 additional models at their Dinosaur World attraction. While their initial dinosaur display received approval in February 2024, the couple admitted they were unaware that separate consent was needed for expansion into another section of their grounds.
The planning application process required an updated noise assessment, which established strict volume controls for each creature. The approved measures include individual volume controls on every model, time restrictions, limits on how many dinosaurs can be active simultaneously, and noise-reducing barriers or vegetation screening.
'Out of Context' Screeches Draw Official Concern
Herefordshire Council's environmental health officer expressed reservations about the attraction, noting that complaints had been received about the 'screeches and horn-like sounds' emanating from some dinosaurs. The officer formally recorded that these noises were considered 'out of context within the local environment'.
Despite these concerns, planning officer Jack Dyer acknowledged that while 'the theme of the garden does not necessarily fit with the surrounding natural landscape context', its specific location meant the 'impact upon the wider surrounding landscape from a visual perspective is minimal'.
Notably, there were no direct objections from neighbouring properties or the local parish council, which likely contributed to the favourable decision.
Strict Conditions Imposed on Prehistoric Park
The council has imposed identical conditions on the new dinosaurs as those governing the existing models. These restrictions include:
- Operating hours limited to between 10am and 4pm
- Extended hours until 8pm during Christmas and Halloween periods
- Mandatory adherence to an approved noise management plan
Mr Dyer emphasised that the attraction would 'require some degree of control going forward in order to protect the surrounding public and neighbouring residential amenity'.
Stephen Morgan described the planning process as 'costly and took time' but confirmed it hadn't affected the attraction's operations during the season. The couple indicated they may 'potentially extend' the dinosaur collection further in future, now that the proper planning framework has been established.
