Cumbrian landscape charity Friends of the Lake District today (13 Feb) announced that it will continue to oppose plans for a huge holiday resort on the Furness coastline. Its CEO is urging people who are also concerned to let Westmorland & Furness Council know before the consultation period ends.

As Michael Hill explained: “There was widespread opposition to the first plans submitted by the landowners last year. We stood alongside other environmental organisations and local people to object. We stand with them again to challenge a revised plan submitted last month (January).

“Whilst the developers, the ILM Group, have reduced the number of lodges from 450 to 233, this remains unacceptable and is in clear conflict with local plan policies.

“The impact of lodges, parking, restaurants and sports facilities on the landscape, along with the additional footfall of thousands more people in a rare, fragile and internationally protected area, teeming with wildlife, is completely inappropriate.

“Locals love coming here to walk and to be in a tranquil, unspoilt, wild and beautiful place, with views to the Lakeland Fells. Traffic on rural lanes, and the risk of sink holes, linked to historic mining activity, are also concerning.

“Over 7,200 people have signed a petition against the proposal but planners will only take into account objections made directly to them. Also responses to the previous application won’t count either.

“We are therefore urging anyone who values Roanhead to make their views known once more, and as soon as possible,” added Mike.

The charity has produced a guide and template to help. This can be found on the Friends of the Lake District website, use their search bar and type in Roanhead response.