Do-you-think-he-saurus? The planning inspectors did... (From Borehamwood Times)

Do-you-think-he-saurus? The planning inspectors did...

12:21pm Friday 3rd August 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

Dinosaurs were first wiped out by a giant asteroid millions of years ago but now it seems the prehistoric creatures are facing a bigger threat in the form of council planning officers.

Inspectors have ordered that a towering Diplodocus at a novelty dinosaur golf course on the Barnet/Borehamwood border be made extinct after the owners failed to seek planning permission.

An enforcement notice has been served on the Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf Course, ordering the demolition of the 100-foot prehistoric giant, which can be seen in its Rowley Lane location from as far as the A1.

Hertsmere Council's planning department sent out the notice in June, despite the venue being open since July 2011.

The herbivore's only hope of survival rests in the hands of the Secretary of State, who will oversee an appeal lodged by the site owners last week.

Scott Sinclair, managing director of parent company Adventure Experience Ltd said: "Our seven Jurassic giants are loved by children and adults alike and we were understandably upset when we were advised that our Diplodocus could be under threat. However, we are currently working with the council to try and save our Diplodocus from extinction."

The news will be heartbreaking for pupils at nearby Summerswood Primary School, in Furzehill Road, Borehamwood, one of three schools that took part in a competition to name the Jurassic giant.

Year 3 pupil George Dunn, eight, won the competition with his suggestion of Multiasaurus, receiving a free round of golf for him and his class mates.

The Borehamwood and Elstree Times is awaiting comment from Hertsmere Council and the Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf Course.