Friends of the Lake District said it will continue to oppose plans for a South Cumbrian holiday resort.
New proposals were lodged last month for a more ‘sensitive’ holiday resort in Furness after controversial plans were withdrawn in December.
Developers ILM Group submitted its plans with Westmorland and Furness Council for the Roanhead Lodge Resort which, it said, could bring £10 million in additional visitor spending annually to Cumbria
But Michael Hill, chief executive of Friends of the Lake District, said: “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.”
The new scaled-back proposals will include the installation of 233 lodges, nearly half the previously proposed 450 lodges for the site, which the developers said would significantly reduce the number of visitors to the site and potential associated impacts on the natural environment.
According to developers, in the new plans buffer zones between the resort and designated nature sites have been expanded.
Greater protection has also been afforded to the nearby ancient woodland and the construction access to the site has been moved away from this area, said ILM.
And, it added, it was in a constructive dialogue with Natural England to make sure the scheme was designed as sustainably and sensitively as possible and has been working with a Natterjack toad expert to consider the population in the nearby Sandscale Haws.
But, Mr Hill said: “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.”
