Jurassic Planning Gone Wrong

It sounds like something out of a Jurassic comedy sketch — a UK council approving dinosaurs after they’ve already arrived.

But that’s exactly what happened this week, when a local authority granted retrospective planning permission to a theme park for a batch of animatronic dinosaurs already installed on site.

Behind the headlines, though, this unusual story highlights a serious and often misunderstood issue: what happens when businesses build first and ask for permission later?

At a visitor attraction in Herefordshire, operators expanded their dinosaur-themed park by adding several new animatronic models. The problem was they didn’t realise those additions needed separate planning permission.

By the time the issue came to light, the dinosaurs were already in place — and even making noise complaints from nearby residents.

To resolve it, the park applied for retrospective planning permission, asking the council to approve the development after it had already been completed.

The council eventually granted approval — but only with strict conditions, including limits on operating hours, volume controls, and a formal noise management plan.

In simple terms, retrospective planning permission is when a business (or homeowner) asks for approval after building or installing something without the required consent.

This might happen because: the rules weren’t fully understood, an expansion went beyond what was originally approved, or work started assuming permission wasn’t needed.

Crucially, retrospective approval is not guaranteed. Councils assess the development in the same way they would any normal application — and they can refuse it, which could mean undoing the work.

To the layman, it might seem odd that councils allow businesses to get permission after the fact.

But planning authorities are required to take a proportionate approach. If a development is judged acceptable overall — even if the process wasn’t followed perfectly — they may allow it to remain.

So rather than forcing removal, the council chose to approve the dinosaurs — with conditions.

While it worked out for this theme park, relying on retrospective permission is a risky strategy.

A council approving dinosaurs after they’ve already been installed might make for a quirky headline — but it highlights a serious lesson for UK businesses.

Planning rules aren’t just red tape. They’re part of how risk is managed — for businesses, communities, and insurers alike.

And while you can sometimes fix mistakes after the fact… it’s usually far safer to get permission before the dinosaurs arrive.