In a letter to the planning inspectorate on 28th May, Merlin Entertainments called for the plans to be withdrawn, citing changes made to the application and other documents. They asked for a further period of consultation before the plans could be resubmitted.

The planning inspectorate responded on 25th June, saying that the changes do not constitute a material change but will consider whether any new documents amount to a material change as and when they are submitted. They said that they will seek comments on the application at the appropriate time.

London Resort

It would be the first development of its kind in Europe since the opening of Disneyland Paris in 1992. If successful in securing development consent, construction could begin in early 2022.

The development scheme at the Swanscombe Peninsula will be in direct competition with other UK theme parks, with an estimated 50 rides and attractions based on many popular brands from film and television.

The London Resort has struck deals with Paramount Pictures, the BBC and ITV for naming rights to rides and attractions.

The plans include two theme parks, several hotels and Europe's largest indoor waterpark. It aims to attract an average of 40,000 visitors per day and should create around 33,000 jobs.

At one time the project was set to open in 2019, but repeated delays to the submission of its planning application mean that the first theme park would now open in 2024 and the second in 2029.

Earlier this year, the London Resort revealed the first glimpse of a new Base Camp dinosaur-themed land.