Over 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing plans for new holiday resorts in South Cumbria.
Campaign group Save Roanhead launched the petition against the proposals by ILM Group for a 233-lodge development.
The group said it was not the right place for the development, although the plans have been amended – originally the developers wanted to create a 450-lodge resort.
A separate application by a different company – Queensland Country Park Ltd – for a sustainable leisure retreat on land off Hawthwaite Lane – is also being objected to by campaigners.
A spokesman for Save Roanhead said: “The Save Roanhead Campaign team are delighted that our petition has reached a significant milestone of 10,000 people.
“That’s 10,000 local people opposed to these developments.
“We publicly thank everyone for the support we have received, all our Facebook members, the parish vouncils, recently elected local MP and all the concerned local small businesses.”
Plans for up to 450 lodges at the proposed Roanhead Lodge Resort were withdrawn by ILM Group in November 2023 and new scaled-back proposals for up to 233 lodges were submitted in January.
Developers said the new proposals would significantly reduce the number of visitors to the site and potential associated impacts on the natural environment.
In June, Queensland Country Park Ltd submitted a planning application to build the sustainable leisure retreat on land off Hawthwaite Lane on Roanhead.
It would consist of 23 holiday lodges, 10 glamping pods, 24 caravan/motorhome pitches, a facilities building, an amenity block and a booking office.
Both applications have faced opposition from Barrow Town Council with the council labelling the proposed Roanhead Lodge Resort totally unsuitable for the area and raising concerns that proposals lodged by Queensland Country Park would have a detrimental impact on wildlife.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the National Trust and Askam and Ireleth Parish Council are among other bodies and organisations that have objected to both planning applications.
ILM Group said independent economic consultants Hatch projected the Roanhead Lodge Resort would provide an estimated £10.8m annually in visitor spending for Cumbria, predominantly in Barrow.
ILM Group said the resort’s construction is anticipated to generate 209 jobs and, once operational, it is projected to create 184 permanent positions.
Queensland Country Park said one of the aims of its proposed development was to provide ecologically friendly leisure accommodation that would promote the physical and mental health of its visitors.
Both planning applications are being considered by Westmorland and Furness Council.
