The organisers of a major new Christmas attraction in Sefton have stated they are confident of a positive outcome after concerns were raised about the event's planning permission. Sidestep Events Ltd has begun preliminary work at Orrell Hill Woods in Hightown for its 'Santa's Secret Forest' event, scheduled to open in November 2026.
Following inquiries, Sefton Council confirmed that the scale of the event requires formal planning permission due to its duration. The company has now submitted a full application after months of consultation with local authorities and residents.
Key Takeaways
- Organisers of 'Santa's Secret Forest' in Hightown are seeking planning permission for their November 2026 event.
- Sefton Council advised that permission is required because the event's build and operation period exceeds 28 days.
- The company states it has engaged with multiple council departments and commissioned several expert reports.
- A premises licence for the event was granted by Sefton Council in May 2025.
- Allegations of tree felling on the site have been denied by the organisers.
New Festive Attraction Planned for Hightown Woods
A new large-scale festive event, 'Santa's Secret Forest', is planned for a 40-acre woodland site in Hightown. The project is being managed by Sidestep Events Ltd (SEL), a company led by Crosby-based couple James McMahon and Tory Harper, both 40.
The event is scheduled to launch on Friday, November 21, 2026. The plans describe an immersive experience featuring a journey through a Christmas Hub with 10 themed rooms, a light trail, a market, and real-life reindeer.
McMahon and Harper have an extensive background in large-scale event production, having worked on notable shows such as Britain's Got Talent and Bongo's Bingo. Their company has started preparatory work at the Orrell Hill Woods site, prompting questions from the local community.
Community Concerns and Council Involvement
After the event was announced and work began, a local resident contacted Sefton Council with concerns that the necessary permissions were not in place. Emails seen from the council's planning department confirmed that, at the time of the inquiry, a formal planning application had not been submitted.
A council officer explained the requirement in a communication with the resident. "In this case we understand that the intention is to operate this event for more than 28 days and as such, planning permission is required," the officer wrote.
Understanding the 28-Day Rule
In the UK, temporary use of land is often permitted without formal planning permission for up to 28 days in a calendar year. However, if the use of the land, including the time for setting up and dismantling structures, exceeds this period, full planning permission is typically required. This rule ensures that longer-term temporary developments are subject to the same scrutiny as permanent ones regarding environmental impact, traffic, and public safety.
The council also noted the potential issue for the company. The officer added, "It is a risk by the operator to be advertising something that doesn’t yet benefit from the appropriate permissions, as there is no guarantee that planning permission will be granted."
Organisers Respond to Planning Questions
In response to the concerns, SEL director James McMahon detailed the steps the company has taken. He confirmed that a full planning application was set to be submitted on September 30, following over three months of development with a specialist consultant.
"We were subsequently advised by Sefton Council that, although the event is temporary, the build and break period exceeds 28 days and therefore requires planning permission. On that basis, we instructed a specialist planning consultant and have been developing the application for over three months."
McMahon stated that the company is confident in a positive outcome for its application. He emphasised a long period of engagement with various official bodies to ensure the event meets all necessary standards.
"Santa’s Secret Forest has engaged extensively with Sefton Council’s planning department and has also consulted with Highways and fire services," he said. He added that they have also worked with the local parish council and held open days for residents to provide feedback.
Timeline of Key Events
- May 21, 2025: Sefton Council grants a full premises licence for the event.
- Post-May 2025: The company is advised that planning permission is required due to the 28-day rule.
- June-September 2025: Organisers work with consultants to prepare the planning application.
- September 30, 2025: The full planning submission is scheduled to be lodged with the council.
- November 21, 2026: Planned opening date for Santa's Secret Forest.
Addressing Additional Allegations
Beyond the primary concern about planning permission, the organisers also addressed two other claims made by the anonymous resident. The first was an accusation of felling trees at the Orrell Hill Woods site.
The company has firmly denied this claim. According to the organisers, the Forestry Commission was made aware of a potential tree-felling issue through an anonymous tip-off but found no evidence of wrongdoing. SEL stated it has a letter confirming that no trees have been felled on the site.
Licensing and Official Permissions
The second claim was that the event did not have a valid licence. However, this has been disproven. The organisers provided documentation from Sefton Council confirming that a full premises licence for the event was formally granted on May 21, 2025.
To support their planning application, McMahon confirmed the company has commissioned a comprehensive set of professional assessments. These include:
- Arboricultural surveys (tree health and safety)
- Transport & flood management plans
- Ecological impact surveys
- Noise level assessments
"Every aspect has been carefully considered to ensure the event can operate safely, responsibly, and successfully," McMahon concluded. "We are confident that the measures we have taken will endorse the application for a positive outcome." The application will now be reviewed by Sefton Council's planning committee in the coming weeks.