It's been more than a rollercoaster ride for theme park bosses in Kent tasked with bringing forward proposals for a rival to Disneyland.

But developments in recent weeks have threatened to permanently derail the multi-billion London Resort project, first earmarked for the Swanscombe Peninsula, along the banks of the River Thames, 10 years ago.

In the latest series of twist and turns, London Resort Company Holdings (LRCH) chief executive PY Gerbeau announced they were pulling their application.

The 11th hour decision was made ahead of a crunch planning meeting which was due to take place this morning and decide timings.

Project bosses say a world class entertainment resort on the 1,245-acre brownfield site is still achievable and a fresh bid will be re-submitted later this year.

But opponents claim public opinion has now shifted against the plans following its newly acquired nature status and it's time is up.

And so the big question is - now what? Why have the developers withdrawn their bid? Who is still backing the project? If not a theme park, then what? And can PY Gerbeau, the Millennium Dome's saviour, still turn this "Disneyland dream" into a reality?

Why have LRCH withdrawn their bid?

In May 2014, the government confirmed the London Resort as a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) – a status normally reserved for power plants, major roads or airports.

It means developers can bypass local planning rules and seek consent direct from the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – currently Michael Gove.

But to win approval, theme park bosses must first prove the bid's feasibility to an independent planning arm, known as The Planning Inspectorate.

After many years and various rounds of public consultation an application was formally accepted for review in January this year.

But it was dramatically dropped earlier this morning following months of speculation and delay.

London Resort bosses say things have changed since its application was accepted for review and naturally, it needs to revise its bid. But opponents say it has been given ample time which it has not used to engage.

Transport headaches

Transport has proven a particular headache for planners with roads in and around the industrial estates frequently gridlocked with traffic.

LRCH has vowed to consider a range of green transport choices to reduce dependency on the motorways.

A key part of its strategy is a 'Park and Glide' ferry connection to Essex – including use of the Port of Tilbury as a ferry terminal.

But the recent adoption of the area as a new government Freeport, has cast doubt over this vision and means new landing stages will needed.

PY Gerbeau said: “In the best interests of the London Resort, we are withdrawing the current application; as a result of the classification of Tilbury as a Freeport which has meant revisions are required in moving the ferry terminal from Tilbury to Grays."

He says they are working closely and collaborating with Thurrock Council on that matter.

Environmental concerns

Another problem for developers behind the London Resort has been the formal designation of the Peninsula as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI).

It has been afforded this status in recognition of its grassland, wetlands, birds, and invertebrates – including one of the rarest spider species in the country.

The status granted by Natural England – the government's environmental advisory group – means any future plans must take into account the abundance of wildlife – but does not preclude development from taking place.

Resort bosses and landowners argue the designation is "erroneous" and not the best means of achieving a balance between the "economic and environmental objectives" of a site, left neglected until recently.

However, LRCH has committed to working with the government's nature adviser to agree how to avoid or mitigate impacts upon the site and establish "common ground".

Speaking today, Mr Gerbeau said: "The decision by Natural England to designate a brownfield contaminated site as a SSSI has impacted the project.

"We in turn have acquired significant land holdings as part of our mitigation strategy combined with our commitment to spend £150m on environmental improvements on the peninsula. These changes are considered material and as such require withdrawal and resubmission."

Who is still backing the project?

Gravesham council has recently re-iterated its support "in principle", explaining how the area "desperately needs jobs".

It says it will back the project provided the benefits to the local economy are "maximised" and "impacts minimised".

Cllr John Burden (Lab), the leader of the council, said withdrawal was a "sensible move" in light of the classification of Tilbury as a Freeport and the SSSI designation.

He said: “I welcome the decision to take a fresh look at the plans for London Resort and to come back with a new proposal that addresses all the issues raised by those developments."

Thurrock council too has pledged to work alongside LRCH and partners to progress social and economic opportunities. This includes infrastructure improvements such as a jetty in Grays linking the town directly to the resort.

The London Resort project had also originally struck a deal with Hollywood film studios Paramount Pictures', which is home to some of the world’s most iconic films including The Godfather, The Italian Job, and the Mission: Impossible franchise.

It had lent its name to the park itself before dramatically withdrawing in 2017 – only to come back on board under a new agreement two years later. It has not responded to requests for comment.

However, theme park bosses suffered embarrassment when Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman Animations quietly walked away.

Until recently both BBC and ITV's studio arms had also lent image rights which would have seen rides named after hit brands such as Thunderbirds and Sherlock Holmes.

But both have now pulled the plug on their involvement.

Meanwhile businesses operating on nearby trading estates have likened the bid to "like being on death row", amid the potential use of compulsory purchase powers.

Campaigner Dan Bramwell, from the Peninsula Management Group which represents some 200 businesses in the area affected by the proposals, said: "The last fifteen months has been a waste of civil servant's time and a heavy cost to taxpayers, let alone all the stakeholders, interested and affected parties, and many hundreds of people who have devoted time to challenging the incomplete and weak proposals.

Northfleet traders express concerns over about their future

"In addition, the many Swanscombe Peninsula businesses have suffered 10 years of unnecessary financial stress, mental pain and job losses as a result of this fairytale dream.

"The applicant should be forced to reimburse all affected parties for the time wasted addressing the harassment."

According to the Planning Inspectorate costs can be awarded against a party who has acted unreasonably and has caused the party applying for the award of costs to incur unnecessary or wasted expense during the examination.

Can London resort turn it around?

PY Gerbeau certainly thinks so. The French entrepreneur says the project will go ahead despite the "naysayers and doom-mongers".

The Frenchman has a decorated CV and is credited with saving the Millennium Dome, now better known as the O2 Arena, with the tabloid press nicknaming him 'The Gerbil'.

He points to the regeneration potential of nearly 50,000 jobs when both London Resort park gates are open and innovative new projects such as eSports arenas.

Whilst he says its "gold standard" case for sustainability – including spending around £150m on remediation, habitat enhancement and providing around eight miles of footpaths and public rights of way – would help assure its protection.

Mr Gerbeau added:“We have repeatedly petitioned for latitude, extensions of time and of course understanding from the Examining Authority and the Planning Inspectorate.

"Their teams have been extremely supportive, but we recognise that the best route for the Project is through withdrawal and resubmission of a fresh application within this calendar year.

"Make no mistake we are still 100% committed to this amazing project and we will resubmit before the end of 2022 and look forward to delivering a world class entertainment resort – the UK deserves better and we will make it happen!”

So, if not a theme park then what?

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson, who previously backed the project, believes its time is now up.

He said: "After 10 years, LRCH are still unable to submit an application for a theme park and they need to end the uncertainty for local businesses and residents by walking away completely.

"Thankfully, the SSSI status of the area and the nature of the land makes it highly unlikely that many houses can be built there so we now need to secure the future of the peninsular as a wildlife park for local residents to enjoy."

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson sets out his alternative vision for the site

The Tory minister has been working with local campaigners and wildlife trusts and hopes to secure investment in the site.

Outlining an alternative vision for the site last week, he added: "I think that we can turn this into a local asset not just for people today but for future generations as well.

"We can ensure that it is opened up so that local people can enjoy that for walks, for wildlife, just for local school children to learn and understand about the importance of local wildlife."

Asked what level of investment would be needed Mr Johnson said a "small, modest amount" from central government, adding this would not be an "unrealistic aspiration".

What happens next?

The application has now been withdrawn and so a planned six month examination stage will not now commence.

All parties will normally be expected to meet their own costs but could put in claims where it believes the applicant has "acted unreasonably" or it has incurred unnecessary or wasted expenses.

Future site visits will need to be carried out to assess the ecology of the site and further discussions held with local authorities.

London Resort says it will continue its engagement with the local community to "reach as many agreements as possible" before resubmission, expected later this year.