'Vision of Lake District at stake' in legal case

Zip World wants to operate a zip wire tourist attraction at Elterwater Quarry in Cumbria

A charity has said a "vision of the Lake District run for nature and people" is at stake in a legal challenge over a proposed tourist attraction.

Friends of the Lake District said the planned zip wire at Elterwater Quarry would "take us a step closer to a Lake District of noise, chaos and degraded landscapes".

A judicial review hearing into last year's decision to award the scheme planning permission is taking place on Wednesday at the High Court.

Adventure tourism firm Zip World previously said it would run the attraction in a "sensitive and sympathetic manner".

The proposal would allow visitors to explore a cavern using zip wires and viewing platforms, according to planning papers.

Developers say tourists would be able to learn about the history of the quarry and the slate industry.

But Friends of the Lake District said it would attract too much traffic to the "tranquil" area and cause parking problems.

Zip World has produced a travel plan to promote public transport and cycling to reach the site.

'Noise and chaos'

Friends of the Lake District brought the legal challenge, arguing the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) "failed to recognise the impact on the tranquillity of the area" when it awarded planning permission.

The charity's CEO Michael Hill said: "If the ruling does go against us, it will take us a step closer to a Lake District of noise, chaos and degraded landscapes."

He contrasted that scenario with a "vision of a Lake District run for nature and people, with landscapes that are tranquil".

The court could force the LDNPA to reconsider its decision.

The authority declined to comment prior to the hearing, which is taking place in Manchester.

Zip World and the quarry's owner Burlington Stone did not respond to requests for comment.

Zip World previously said the attraction could help preserve "this unique part of Lake District's heritage" and it would run the site "in a sensitive and sympathetic manner".