Controversial Zip Line Attraction Approved in Lake District Despite 90,000 Objections

In a controversial decision, plans for a major zip line tourist attraction in the Lake District have been granted approval, despite receiving over 90,000 objections. The development, set to be located in the Elterwater Quarry in Ambleside, will see the area transformed into a hub for visitors, including the construction of zip wires that will allow thrill-seekers to hurtle through underground caverns.

The plans have faced fierce opposition from the conservation group Friends of the Lake District, who argued that the attraction would cause "noise, chaos and degraded landscapes" in an area that inspired the beloved author Beatrix Potter. The group even organized rallies against the development and pushed for a judicial review of the Lake District National Park Authority's decision to approve the project.

However, the judicial review has now ruled in favor of the park authority's decision, allowing the Zip World attraction to move forward. Developers argue that the project will bring a "new heritage experience" to the area, promoting the legacy of the Elterwater Quarry while providing an "exhilarating and informative" experience for visitors.

Despite the setback, the Friends of the Lake District group remains determined to fight for a vision of the Lake District that prioritizes tranquility, cultural heritage, and environmental health. The group's CEO, Michael Hill, has vowed to continue campaigning for stronger protections for the national park and its unique landscapes.