The developers behind plans for a controversial £100 million South Cumbrian holiday resort have spoken about their vision for the site.
Brothers Terry and Jimmy Curtis have farmed the land at Roanhead, near Askam, for much of their lives and say the area was the site of one of the most important iron ore mines in the world.
But protestors are livid about the plans for a 450-lodge complex, because they say it would be a catastrophe for the local area.
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.
But the brothers have highlighted its industrial past and said the development would deliver ‘transformational’ benefits for the area.
They say their vision for the site is for it to become an environmentally friendly resort that provides employment and opportunity for hundreds of local people of all ages.
Jimmy, 76, said: “When we came here it was all broken land. There was only one field that was mowable. There were railway lines here, there and everywhere.
“We grubbed them all out, apart from the original Roanhead line as they called it, which goes all the way through to Askam.”
The 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
But 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, in a press release from the brothers, they say a century-old map of the land, presented to Terry and Jimmy’s father and uncle; John and James Curtis after they purchased Roanhead Farm in 1965, shows the iron ore mines Nigel, Rita and Burlington, which supplied the shipbuilding industry.
At the time, Nigel was one of the largest and deepest mines in the world with 11 million tons extracted between the 1850s and its closure in 1942.
Cumbria Tourism is in support of the plans.
The planning application has been lodged with Westmorland and Furness Council.
