A controversial £100 million holiday resort in South Cumbria could pump an extra £196 million into the area within 10 years claim its developers.
Plans have been lodged for the Roanhead resort, near Askham, by ILM Group but objectors fear it will be a ‘catastrophe’ for the local area.
The 450-lodge complex would also feature a health club and spa, bar, brasserie, sports courts, pool and an events barn.
The developers say 265 full time equivalent jobs would be available – with 199 of these workers expected to be from Cumbria and 132 from the Barrow area.
Additional spending by guests would support a further 237 full time equivalent jobs across the county, with 196 of these local to Barrow.
They have also pledged to prioritise local outsourcing of areas including housekeeping, retail, leisure, fitness, food, beverage and outdoor activities to create maximum opportunities for existing and new businesses to benefit.
Over 5,000 people have signed a petition against the plans and 400 people attended an event held by the volunteer Save Roanhead Campaign team.
Objectors said the land, home to the rare Natterjack toad, is sensitive and should not be developed.
Save Roanhead Campaign member and founder Kelly Holland said: “The petition has now reached 5,000 people – far surpassing my original hopes.
“This illustrates how many people feel the same way about saving Roanhead from the catastrophic effects that mass tourism will cause in this delicate area. We have visitors and locals alike who all agree that the magic of Roanhead should be left alone in its majestic untouched beauty.”
However, the developers have released an economic study by independent consultants Hatch which says the resort would secure £59.1 million in additional GVA in its first 10 years of operation through direct employment, with £29.6 million of this money benefiting the economy of Barrow.
Gross visitor spend over the same period is estimated to be in the region of £202 million, according to the study, of which £167 million would be in Barrow and the Furness Peninsula.
Energy-efficient lodges planned at the site would be built by a Cumbrian firm, the developers added.
The proposal is backed by Cumbria Tourism.
Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, wrote in support of the proposed resort on behalf of the organisation. She said the plans shared its ambition to grow the value of tourism in a sustainable way, supporting business, communities and safeguarding the environment.
She said: “As destination management organisation for the county, Cumbria Tourism’s long term ambition is to sustainably grow the value of the visitor economy and its offer, year round and county wide.
“Reflecting specifically on how the proposal aligns with Cumbria Tourism’s Strategy and objectives, it has the potential to offer transformational benefits to Barrow and Furness, increasing the attractiveness of the area as a place to live, work, visit and explore.”
The planning application has been lodged with Westmorland and Furness Council.
