A much-loved stretch of South Cumbrian coastline is still under threat, a leading landscape charity has warned.
A year after a demonstration against plans for a 450-lodge resort at Roanhead, between Barrow and Askham-in-Furness, Friends of the Lake District, plus members of Save Roanhead, say the area is still at risk.
Despite the developers reducing the number of lodges to 233, protestors are still concerned that thousands of extra visitors would have a detrimental impact on protected habitats, which includes important breeding grounds for the rare natterjack toad.
Protestors said the reduction failed to address concerns, with 67,000 guests per year still expected at the resort.
Further to the 233-lodge resort, a separate development of lodges, glamping pods and caravan pitches has now been put forward.
Chief executive of Friends of the Lake District, Michael Hill, said: “There was widespread opposition to plans submitted last year. We stood alongside members of Save Roanhead and other environmental organisations to object and will continue to do so in the face of these additional proposals.
“The impact of lodges, parking, lighting and restaurants on the landscape, along with the additional footfall of thousands more people in an internationally protected area teeming with wildlife, is completely inappropriate.”
Rebecca McIlgorm, of Save Roanhead, said: “Last year, thousands of people signed a petition against the proposals and objected to the plans.
“These new proposals continue to threaten the coastal area of Roanhead. Not only will the proposed developments impact on important wildlife habitats in this area, but there will also be an impact on local people who currently enjoy the tranquillity and remoteness here.
“The council have said that they are committed to halting biodiversity decline, so we hope they will seriously consider this when making their decisions on both proposals.
“Even if people have objected before, we urge anyone who values Roanhead to make their views known again and as soon as possible.”
Visit www.saveroanhead.com for more information.
