Plans to upgrade attractions at the ‘Jumping Jimmies’ amusement park in Whitby have been approved by North Yorkshire Council, despite opposition from nearby residents.
The proposal, submitted by Lewis Holloway, seeks to modernise the long-standing children’s park on West Cliff by replacing existing trampolines with bungee trampolines, mechanical swings, and a small carousel. The current go-kart track, which runs along the site’s perimeter, will be retained and repurposed for battery-operated quadbikes.
Located within a broader area of recreational open space, the park currently features trampolines, a go-kart track, and a brick kiosk. Under the approved changes, the site will remain operational throughout the year, with opening hours maintained from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Whitby Town Council raised no objections to the proposed redevelopment. Similarly, the council’s environmental services team expressed support, stating that the replacement rides are “relatively small in nature and likely to produce little motorised noise or vibration.”
However, several nearby residents, including occupants of the Princess Royal Apartments on Royal Crescent, voiced concerns. Objections cited potential noise, disturbance, loss of privacy, and negative impacts on the character of the area and local businesses.
In response, the applicant provided reassurances that the new rides would not produce music or action sounds. Additionally, it was noted that the bungee trampolines require no power, while other attractions would use small electric motors powered by existing infrastructure, minimising potential noise or vibration.
Planning officers emphasized that the site has operated as a small amusement park since 1988. They concluded that the proposed updates would “reinforce the character of the site” and, with a comprehensive operating statement in place, contribute to a “well-managed and operated site in the interests of surrounding amenities.”
North Yorkshire Council approved the application subject to specific conditions.
