The owner of Honister Slate Mines has recently submitted a controversial application for a 1.2km zip wire ride, from Fleetwith Pike, at the head of the Buttermere valley, to the mines at Honister.

The zip wire off Fleetwith Pike dubbed “the Lancaster Aerial Flight” would replicate a similar construction that existed at the remote quarry over 80 years ago. The application will soon be going before the planning committee of the Lake District National Park Authority but they will also be faced with numerous objections.

The BMC and the Friends of the Lake District, amongst others, have objected to the application as the proposals are totally out of keeping with the recreational purposes of a National Park, and in particular the facilitation of quiet enjoyment of the area. The Lake District National Park states in its document “A Vision for the Lake District National Park 2006-2030” that a key purpose of the park is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and to sustain the spectacular landscape. The proposals are a direct challenge to this vital purpose. Not only would the installation be visually intrusive but it would cause extra traffic on narrow and remote roads.

The application goes before the Lake District National Park Authority’s planning committee on 6th October, having been put back from its original date of 1st September in order to give more time to assess the possible impact of the development. Details of how to lodge an objection can be seen on the Friends of the Lake District website.
 

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