What date does the application go to Committee for a final decision? Expand This application is due to be heard at the Planning Committee on March 7th but rest assured we will be continuing in our efforts to keep this application in the public spotlight, highlighting the strength of feeling against this application and its inappropriateness in this location. Read the LDNPA date announcement: https://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/news/national-park-announces-date-thirlmere-zip-wire-application-to-be-decided A final update on proceedings has been promised no later than February 20th 2018 by the LDNPA.
Where do I submit my comments and by what date? Expand When you are ready to send your comments to the planning authority you can submit them by email to [email protected] or by post to Lake District National Park Authority, Murley Moss, Kendal, LA9 7RL You must quote the planning application number (7/2017/2298) and include your name, full postal address and the date. The deadline for representations to be submitted is: 12th January 2018.
Thirlmere isn’t a natural wild landscape – isn't it a reservoir? Expand Supporters of the proposals argue that they believe that Thirlmere is a degraded landscape in the Lake District National Park, because of the reservoir. We do not agree. The reservoir is man made, (originally completed in 1894, before the construction of the reservoir there was a smaller natural lake) but Thirlmere is a beautiful, undeveloped valley. See how Thirlmere looks today in our gallery
Does this mean that Friends of the Lake District is against all zip wires? Expand No, we are not against zip wire development. We consider the most appropriate location for this type of activity is within forested areas where there is the capacity to accommodate the impacts. There are successful zip wire and high rope attractions in the Lake District at Brockhole, Grizedale and Whinlatter, none of which we have objected to. Given that there are limited opportunities to develop such sites in the Lake District we consider that such development would be better placed outside the National Park. We will only ever object if we feel a proposal for development carries a significant threat of harm to the environment. We objected to less than 1% of all planning applications submitted last year, so you'll see that we only respond if there is a significant threat of harm.
Is it true that Friends of the Lake District supported Thirlmere as a location for this development? Expand No, we refute the statement made by the applicant that we endorsed Thirlmere as a suitable location. Please refer to our statement which can be found here: We do not support Thirlmere as a suitable location for zip wire development
What can I do? Expand You can comment on the planning application no matter where you live (you don’t have to be a local resident). We have provided guidance on the issues to raise with the planners as well as a template to help you write a letter to the Lake District National Park Authority. You'll find instructions and template here: Writing a letter Please note that this information should be used as a basis for your comments rather than copied. It is very important that you put your own opinions across to get your voice heard by the decision makers at the National Park. Let them know why you love the Thirlmere Valley and how in your view this development would spoil it.
What is the process for deciding the Planning application and who makes the decision? Expand Anyone, regardless of location, can submit comments to the planning authority, the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA). All comments are considered by the planning officer dealing with the application along with all material planning considerations. More information about this can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/determining-a-planning-application The planning officer will report to the LDNPA’s Development Control Committee with a recommendation to approve or refuse the application. This will be debated by the Members of the Development Control Committee and they will make the decision to approve or refuse the application. During the Development Control Committee meeting, objectors who have previously stated they want to address the Committee are given the opportunity to do so. If there is more than one party objecting the time must be split between all parties, or a spokesperson for the objectors may be chosen. It is the responsibility of the objectors to organise how they will utilise the time.
What about United Utilities? Expand United Utilities is the landowner and has given permission to Tree Top Trek to submit the planning application. United Utilities are not the applicant. If the application is approved Tree Top Trek would lease the land from United Utilities.
What is Friends of the Lake District’s position on these proposals? Expand We object to the proposals for an Activity Hub at this location and consider they are in conflict with the purposes of the National Park (http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/aboutus/nat_parks_history). We do not think that the open countryside location is suitable for the proposed development. Zipwires across the lake will have a negative impact on the landscape of the Thirlmere valley and also on the views and tranquillity of the area. We also have concerns regarding the transport impacts of the proposal. We have previously stated that in principle we would support a sensitively designed cycle way. However, we do not consider that any potential benefits brought about by a cycle way would outweigh the detrimental impacts of the wider proposal.
Who is behind the proposal? Expand The applicant proposing this development is Tree Top Trek based at Brockhole, Windermere. The company currently runs attractions at Brockhole and in Manchester. The company website can be found here : https://www.treetoptrek.co.uk/ and their dedicated page for the Thirlmere activity hub can be found here: https://www.treetoptrek.co.uk/thirlmere
What is being proposed? Expand Tree Top Trek has submitted a proposal for the creation of an activity hub at Thirlmere. The proposals include a zip wire attraction travelling across Thirlmere east-west on two aerial lines. Each line would consist of a quadruple zip wire (so 8 wires in total). The lines would be approximately 1000m and 1200m in length spanning Thirlmere. The development would also use the existing toilet block at Swirls Car Park by extending this and using it for a reception base for the zip wire. This is accompanied by proposals to modify the existing car park at Swirls, alongside Dobgill and Armboth to alter the layout and accommodate additional parking. The final part of the application is for improvements to cycling infrastructure around Thirlmere to create a ‘family friendly’ 18km cycle route.