Emmerdale bosses confirm hopes to continue village set tours in new report

Emmerdale bosses have confirmed their intent to continue running their incredibly lucrative set tours after current planning permission expires.

The tour attracts more than 40,000 visitors a year, who are given a special behind-the-scenes look at the sets used in the show over a two hour experience in Harewood, Yorkshire.

The planning report submitted to Leeds City Council claims that the tours have contributed £7.7 million a year to the local economy after running for over a decade.

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The report describes the tour as a "popular tourist attraction" that gives guests the opportunity to "visit the exterior, particularly the core set at Emmerdale Village", while describing the experience as a "behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Yorkshire Landscape and rural lifestyles."

ITV also confirmed in its application that it didn't seek to increase the number of visitors, and that visitors could access the tour via car, bicycle, a public walking route or collection from a nearby bus stop, with a focus on eliminating the need for coach travel.

A comprehensive change of use planning application is currently open for public consultation until 13 November.

"Two coaches operate in rotation to facilitate the maximum of two tours per hour whilst allowing for reasonable boarding, alighting and travel between locations, in line with the planning conditions.

“This application seeks to remove the requirement for coach travel as visitors will travel direct to site.”

In addition, ITV had already lodged a separate application, seeking permission to secure permanent filming rights at Stub House and Burdon Head Farm, on Harrogate Road, with consent due to run out next June.

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The tour currently offers three options, including a guided tour promising an exploration of the actual Emmerdale village exterior set and exclusive access to the Woolpack and shop sets, with an enhanced ticket including the option to meet a mystery cast member and take a photo alongside them.

There's also a bundle that incorporates the Coronation Street experience alongside the Emmerdale tour for the ultimate soap fan.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

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