Opponents call it a “roller coaster theme park” that will ruin the tranquility of a “jewel in the crown of the Lake District.” For its sponsors, it is an “adventure tourism experience” that will ensure a sustainable future for a historic quarry.
Even before a planning request is made, the two sides are facing battle.
On Tuesday afternoon, more than 6,000 people had signed a petition against plans for the future of the Elterwater Quarry in the Langdale Valley, west of Ambleside in Cumbria. It was launched by a group called Zip Off Langdale, which is asking people to “save Langdale from a roller coaster theme park.”
Activists said that “the walks that are planned include a roller coaster ride and a high rope course.” “The roller coaster with railings would revolve around a large area of the site and in a quarry cave. We firmly believe that the national park is being developed as a theme park.”
They say they are local residents and argue that Elterwater and Langdale cannot cope with the extra traffic: “Langdale is the jewel in the crown of the Lake District and its natural beauty, scenery, traditions and tranquility attract both tourists and locals. It’s not a good place to walk in the theme park. “
The proposals have been prepared by the owner of the Elterwater Quarry, Burlington Stone, owned by the Holker Group. He said he had permission to operate the site until at least 2042, but that he had made the decision to reduce the number of quarries from which he extracted.
“To ensure that the quarry, its underground caverns and voids remain safe and secure, the site needs to be reused creatively and responsibly,” he said. “Burlington Stone’s vision is to unlock a sustainable future for Elterwater Quarry, which celebrates our rich legacy of quarries and the history of human effort while giving life to the natural geological resource.”
He plans to join a company called Zip World, which he says has “an admirable track record of providing fun, activity-based attractions in a safe and responsible way in the heart of Unesco’s national parks and world heritage sites.”
One is Zip World at Penrhyn Quarry in Snowdonia, home to Velocity 2, the world’s fastest zip line.
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Lake District’s proposals focus on a “Quarry Explorer” high-rope tour and a “cave slide” that will “take passengers through wooded areas and reclaimed quarry land, culminating in an exciting underground stretch through spectacular caverns.” “.
Burlington Stone said the plans will provide “a fun way for guests to appreciate and enjoy the surroundings, without having to alter or change the existing landscape.” The company also said that “noises and interruptions associated with quarry activity will be stopped.”
A 2018 plan for a zip line attraction in Thirlmere collapsed after the Ministry of Defense said it would pose a threat to low-flying aircraft. Thousands of people also vehemently opposed it.
In a statement, Burlington Stone said: “No planning application has been submitted and the exploratory work has focused on creating a heritage-based facility that promotes the history of the industry. the slate and natural geology of the Lake District.
“Discussions have focused on vital issues, such as sustainable transport solutions, significant reduction in quarry traffic, ecology, biodiversity, housing and employment.
“Stakeholder engagement has so far been positive and reassuring and we continue to listen to the aspirations of many stakeholders.”