In Cumbria, the dream of a new holiday resort near Roanhead has faced a major setback. The proposal to build 233 luxury lodges, a spa, and a restaurant on Roanhead Farm was rejected. The main reason? The risk it posed to the Sandscale Haws National Nature Reserve, a protected site home to rare wildlife. This decision has sparked mixed reactions from local communities, tourism supporters, and environmental groups alike. While the development could have boosted local tourism, experts say it would have come at too high a cost to the region's natural beauty.
The proposal had support from businesses such as Cumbria Tourism but faced fierce opposition from environmental groups and local residents. Over 10,000 people signed a petition against the resort. Critics argued that the development would harm the very landscape that makes this area so special. The National Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and Friends of the Lake District all raised concerns about the impact on wildlife. Dan Taylor from the National Trust warned that the project would put the Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve under an "existential threat." The reserve is home to over 600 plant species, migratory birds, and the endangered natterjack toad.
For developer ILM Group, the rejection was a blow. The company had spent £1.4m over four years planning the resort. The development promised to bring much-needed investment and jobs to the area. Andrew Coutts from ILM expressed disappointment, saying that the group might appeal the decision. However, with opposition mounting, many believe the project is doomed. Local supporters had hoped the development would create jobs, draw tourists, and boost the economy.
The local community is divided on whether the resort would have benefited tourism. Some, like Cumbria Tourism, saw it as a way to attract more visitors and support local businesses. Others feared it would overwhelm the area, bringing too many people to a fragile environment. Local campaigners from the Save Roanhead group stressed the need for better conservation efforts, not more development. Jeremy Smith from Friends of the Lake District noted that this development was never a good fit for the location, despite its economic promises.
Westmorland and Furness Council voted 6-1 against the proposal, siding with environmental concerns. The council's case officer, Andrew Willison-Holt, acknowledged the economic merits but concluded that the risk to protected habitats was too great. The decision was a win for conservation groups, but it left local businesses wondering what could have been. Some, like Leanne Parr from Friends of the Lake District, argued that this is the best outcome for the long-term future of Cumbria's tourism. "This is a special place," she said, reflecting on the strength of opposition to the development.
This situation raises important questions about balancing tourism growth with environmental protection. While the resort could have created jobs and attracted visitors, it also risked damaging the very qualities that make Cumbria a unique destination. The Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve, with its isolated beauty and rich wildlife, attracts tourists who value its peaceful and untouched landscape. Any development here would need to carefully consider its impact on these qualities.
The rejection of the Roanhead resort doesn't mean the end of tourism growth in Cumbria. It does, however, highlight the need for more sustainable approaches to development. The region is home to some of the UK's most beautiful landscapes, including the Lake District, which draws millions of visitors each year. As tourism grows, the challenge will be to protect these natural areas while still creating opportunities for local businesses. Future projects should focus on enhancing tourism without compromising the environment.
While the Roanhead holiday resort has been stopped, the debate isn't over. There are still opportunities for responsible tourism in Cumbria. Sustainable initiatives, like eco-friendly accommodations and wildlife tours, could provide a boost without harming the natural environment. For now, the focus remains on protecting the region's unique landscapes and wildlife. Local communities, environmental groups, and businesses must work together to find solutions that benefit both the economy and the environment. As the fight for Roanhead continues, it's clear that nature will always come first in this remarkable part of the UK.