A controversial plan for a zipwire in the shadow of Helvellyn has been dropped after 96 per cent of local residents voted against it.
Conceived by Windermere-based Treetop Trek, the plans would have seen a mile-long zipwire built above Glenridding in Patterdale from the site of the disused Greenside mine on land owned by the Lake District National Park Authority.
After Patterdale Parish Council conducted a local poll in which 324 residents voted against the plans compared to just 13 for, the company’s owner agreed to not pursue the idea any further in Glenridding - though he did suggest it could be acceptable elsewhere.
Mike Turner of Treetop Trek said: “While I obviously regret not having been able to develop the concept into a proposal, I will stand by our commitment not to pursue this any further in Glenridding.
“I am grateful for having had the opportunity to debate what was always going to be a contentious topic and in doing so have at least demonstrated that the zipwire concept is valid and broadly acceptable in the right location.
“I would like to thank the community again for their time. It is to their complete credit that they have been so unified in their response.”
No formal planning application was submitted for the plan, but the mere mooting of the idea was enough to prompt a campaign website, run by local steamboat captain Graeme Conncher, and petition opposing the plans.
Public meetings were held at which the company’s owners presented their plans to local people, joined by representatives from the National Park Authority.
Opponents of the plan argued it would be detrimental to the area, disrupting the peaceful character to which visitors and tourists were attracted.
The national park authority said in a statement: “This has been an unusual and complex potential planning application.
“Treetop Trek has listened to the community, taken on board the strength of feeling and announced that they no longer wish to pursue this proposal.
“Our priority is to balance the need to conserve our spectacular landscape, whilst securing vibrant communities, and being open to opportunities to enhance our economy and improve the offer we have for visitors.
“There is no special treatment for us or any potential applicant. If an application had been submitted it would have gone through the normal public consultation and decision-making process to assess whether or not it is suitable development for this location.
“The fact this proposal involved national park land is not an untypical situation for us or any planning authority. It would be subject to the exact same process as an application with no commercial benefit.
“We want to continue to work with residents and businesses to explore options to meet the needs of visitors and the community to help improve the special qualities of this valley and help boost the local economy.”
Friends of the Lake District Policy Officer Kate Willshaw said: "We are pleased that Treetop Treks has listened to the very strong local opposition to the proposal and has decided against applying to put a zipwire up on the open fellside in this well-loved valley."
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