A planning application to construct a luge track and visitor attraction at Blaze Fell, near Armathwaite, is likely to be decided by the new Westmorland & Furness unitary council.
The controversial application was made to Eden District Council by landowner Charles Lowther and businessman Daniel Holder in September, 2021 — when it drew vocal opposition from local parish councils and residents.
Eden Council will cease to exist on April 1 when Cumbria’s district and county council is replaced by two new unitary authorities.
With limited opportunities for the application to be decided before that cut-off date, the matter is likely to pass to the new Westmorland and Furness authority for a decision.
A petition launched by campaigners to stop the construction of the 840-metre long track has so far attracted more than 1,000 signatures.
Issues raised by objectors include whether the current road system will cope with extra traffic generated by visitors to the attraction.
Applicant Daniel Holder, who owns The Quiet Site, at Ullswater, told the Herald: “With an application for something new and different there will always be wide public interest.
“We believe that this attraction will blend well into the existing wooded landscape and cause no meaningful changes for the local community at all.
“Construction will be based on low carbon products and operation will be carbon neutral — and the biodiversity of the site will be improved.
“This will be the first luge of its kind in Europe – they are very popular in New Zealand – and will be a great asset for Cumbria and the UK.”
Among objectors to the plan are environmental organisations including the Friends of the Lake District and Cumbria Wildlife Trust.
