[C]ampaigners have welcomed the decision by Treetop Trek to withdraw a planning application for zip wires across the Thirlmere reservoir. Campaign for National Parks had submitted an objection to the planning proposal because of the impact of the proposals on the valley’s beauty and tranquillity.
It has been reported that the developer behind the proposed zip wires, Treetop Trek, decided to withdraw the application due to concerns expressed by the Ministry of Defence.
There has been mass opposition to the application, with the Lake District National Park Authority receiving thousands of letters objecting to the plans and concerns raised by the likes of actor Caroline Quentin, and broadcaster Melvynn Bragg.
“We are delighted that the planning application has been withdrawn. While the concerns of the Ministry of Defence are of course very important, we also believe that the proposal was totally inappropriate due to the impact it would have had on this beautiful and tranquil part of the Lake District National Park. If it went ahead, we were also concerned about the precedent it would set for further commercial activity, not only in this peaceful valley, but elsewhere in the Lake District and in other National Parks,” said Fiona Howie, chief executive of Campaign for National Parks.
Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society said: “We are delighted that the developers have withdrawn their proposals, which would have devastated the beauty and tranquillity of this splendid landscape. The plans were totally unacceptable in a national park and World Heritage Site.
“We are highly relieved that the threat to make Thirlmere into Zipper-mere has been lifted. It was enormously controversial and would have set an extremely damaging precedent, putting our protected landscapes at risk.”
Oliver Newham, Woodland Trust campaigner, said: “Thirlmere Reservoir was never the right place for a zip wire and so we’re delighted to hear the application has been withdrawn. It is not only a stunning area but made up of a network of different habitats including ancient woodland that should rightly be protected from irreversible damage. We campaign to save ancient woods because their structure is unique and formed over centuries making them home to picky species that are not found elsewhere.
“And with only 2% ancient woodland cover left in the UK it is important we make the case for each one. Bafflingly, the UK is still losing these remarkable wildlife havens each year to poorly sited developments. We’re glad that Thirlmere won’t join the list for 2018.
“We objected to the application because ancient woods either side of the reservoir would have been lost and damaged to accommodate the zip wire structure. The local campaign group did a sterling job and the groundswell of public support shows people want more robust protection for gems like Thirlmere.”
