Alton Towers has made an application to local government authorities for a new rollercoaster currently known as SW8 or Secret Weapon 8.

The plans, which have been kept a secret for some time, were submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and show a wooden rollercoaster built on the former site of the Alton Towers flume.

A Design and Access statement, submitted by Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners, detailed the plans, which will include the removal of the “dated” flume.

“The new ride development will include a maintenance and station building, shop, games unit and food kiosk, which will have a combined maximum floorspace of 1,223sq m (13,164 sq ft).” said the statement.

“To enhance the offer at the resort, it is proposed to remove the now dated Log Flume attraction and install a new rollercoaster to the west of the Congo River Rapids ride. The proposed new coaster will be contained outside of the woodland area on previously developed land.”

According to the proposal, the wooden coaster will be made of dark stained timber elements, predominantly made of southern yellow pine. The rails will be made of a combination of timber and steel. The ride will include themed sound tunnels, including one which will cover the first drop of the coaster as well as an area at the entrance to the ride which will include feature a 140-second pre-show for up to 50 people at a time.

For buildings in the new themed area, drawings prepared by Smytheman Architects will be made of horizontal dark timber boarding with aged and weathered effect, while the lower section of the buildings will be clad in a combination of grass and earth or sandstone effect. The main building’s roof will be made of artificial thatch and distressed profiled metal sheeting.

“The design approach for the replacement ride will seek to complement existing theming within the resort and to meet the expectations of resort guests,” said the statement. “Materials have been chosen to complement the rural and woodland surroundings and the proposed dark colour for the coaster track and stanchions will assist to minimise any impact of the proposed structure on landscape character and views.”

According to the plans, construction is due to start in September this year with completion towards the end of 2017.

“Alton Towers Resort has lots of exciting plans in the pipeline for new rides and attractions as part of our long term investment,” a park spokesperson told Attractions Management. “It’s too early for us to comment at this stage about any new rides, but we’ll bring you more details as soon as we can.”