CAMPAIGNERS against a proposed holiday resort on the Furness peninsula said the number of objections against the development is ‘unprecedented’ for the region.

Members of the Save Roanhead campaign said they ‘publicly thank’ all the businesses, experts and conservation groups that have objected to plans for the Roanhead Lodge Resort.

Save Roanhead Campaign member and founder Kelly Holland said: “On behalf of our growing petition, nearly 8,500, over 4,500 Facebook members, we publicly thank all conservation and business experts who have objected.

“We are heartened by each of the parish council opposition responses. We thank MP Simon Fell, who described the plan as reckless, and Michelle Scrogham, for taking time out of her busy schedule, to film an opposition video on Roanhead beach itself.”

Campaigners said more than 70 local businesses have come out against the proposed development.

Campaigner Rebecca McIlgorm said: “The numbers opposed to this development are unprecedented for the Furness area. I was alarmed by recent press coverage claiming business support.

“When I researched this, I was overwhelmed when over 70 local businesses immediately messaged either myself personally, or our group through the page, in support of our campaign”

Objections have also been submitted by conservation groups such as Friends of the Lake District, National Trust, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Cumbria GeoGonservation, The Woodland Trust, RSPB and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.

Ms Holland added: “We believe the council has no option but to listen to all of the objections from residents, local businesses, and statutory organisation’s by rejecting this planning submission.”

Developers say independent economic consultants Hatch project the Roanhead Lodge Resort would provide an estimated £10.8m annually in visitor spending for Cumbria, predominantly in Barrow.

ILM Group say the resort’s construction is anticipated to generate 209 jobs and, once operational, it is projected to create 184 permanent positions, primarily for Barrow and Cumbria residents.

Additionally, the developers said there would be a training academy offering apprenticeship roles across a variety of sectors, with ILM Group stating  they will work with local education providers to ensure local people have access to these opportunities.