Eccentric inventor Ed Walley hopes to open a city centre horror attraction called The Chester Dungeon.

Mr Walley, the brains behind children’s adventure activity The Crocky Trail at Waverton, says there is a lack of popular entertainment for visitors.

Plans show a maze-style lay-out within a former ladies’ boutique in Watergate Street featuring pop-up figures plus a soundtrack with “heart beats and spooky music” but with no amplified sound audible in the street.

A document accompanying the application states: “The dungeon atmosphere is created by sound track, semi-darkness and an unpredictable maze. Pop up figures are automated by light beams. Ghosts move and skeletons.”

Opening times would match the tourist trade with the dungeon mirroring the opening times of nearby bars and restaurants. Admission for the five-minute activity would be £4.

Mr Walley says the attraction would be similar to the London and Blackpool dungeons but on a smaller scale and automated whereas other venues use live performers. The only staff requirement would be for admission and security.

Crocky Trail owner Ed Walley

The premises is below street level and accessed by five steps. The dungeon would be a “no waiting” experience as visitors walk around a labyrinth, with enough space for six passages, each measuring just 32 inches in width. It is anticipated the “very young” and “older people” will be “too nervous” to enter.

A document says: “Chester is a beautiful city attracting millions of visitors to see its Rows and walls and Roman heritage. It is, however, short of popular entertainment and tends to die in the early evening. The dungeon will provide an extra attraction that is needed by such a popular destination.”