High Court hears legal challenge to proposed zip wire in “tranquil” quarry
The High Court has this week heard a legal challenge to the Lake District National Park Authority’s decision to grant planning permission for a major new adventure attraction at a quarry.
Environmental charity ‘Friends of the Lake District’ contend that in granting planning permission for the installation of a zip wire at Elterwater Quarry, the authority “failed to recognise the impact on the tranquillity of the area”, “misunderstood its responsibilities to conserve and enhance the Park’s natural beauty and cultural heritage”, and did not impose “proper conditions” on the developer.
According to the BBC, adventure tourism firm ‘Zip World’ previously said it would run the attraction in a "sensitive and sympathetic manner".
However, bringing a judicial review in the High Court, Friends of the Lake District shared concerns over the impact of the proposed attraction on levels of traffic coming into the Langdales, and concerns relating to the process.
The charity drew attention to the ‘Sandford Principle’, which states: “Where irreconcilable conflicts exist between conservation and public enjoyment in National Parks, then conservation interest should take priority.”
Speaking ahead of the hearing, the charity said: “We hope that the ruling goes our way and that the National Park Authority is directed to prioritise the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park. If it does go against us, it will take us a step closer to a Lake District of noise, chaos and degraded landscapes. The Lake District’s World Heritage Status would be under threat.”
A spokesperson for the Lake District National Park Authority said: “The High Court of Justice Planning Court has now heard all evidence in relation to the case regarding the Authority’s decision in respect of planning application 7/2023/5767 Elterwater Quarry, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria.
“The Authority offered robust responses to all the points raised during the hearing and the Honourable Mr Justice Mould has reserved judgment. We await the outcome in due course.”
Lottie Winson
