Plans for 233-lodge Barrow eco-holiday resort set for knockback
Westmorland and Furness Council has been recommended to refuse the application from J & JT Curtis, who seek to diversify the town’s visitor offer with the 133-acre resort, due to fears of how many visitors it may bring.
The applicant’s hopes are to build 233 eco-lodges alongside a residential student training academy, staff accommodation, and an estate management facility at Roanhead Farm off Hawthwaite Lane in Barrow-in-Furness.
A recommendation for refusal follows habitats regulations assessment undertaken by the council, which stipulates the development will likely result in significant effects, primarily due to a large influx of visitors, on the protected areas surrounding the application site.
Morecambe Bay and Duddon Estuary Special Protection Area, Duddon Estuary Ramsar site, and Morecambe Bay Special Area of Conservation could be under threat, according to the report.
It is intended that the holiday destination would be open for both overnight and daily visitors.
Lodges would surround a ‘resort core’, which would host indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, a central welcome area, and ancillary operational zones for staff.
A resort gym, indoor pool, and fitness facilities would be on offer to guests alongside a health and beauty-focused spa complex.
The central welcome area would also provide an F&B offer for guests.
In addition, plans include a residential student training academy and a coastal ecology field study centre.
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In total, the resorts’ key amenities would be provided across a 128,100 sq ft floorspace, according to planner Enzygo.
Fazackerley Design is the scheme’s architect alongside masterplanner designTM.
The resort is expected to provide jobs for up to 158 people in the local area, with primary access to the site taken from the A590.
Solway Ecology, SLR, SMC Leisure, Bragg & Co., and Hatch each worked on the project.
To view the application, use the planning reference number B06/2024/0024 in Westmorland and Furness Council’s planning portal.
Why is it recommended for refusal?
By GetItBuilt!
What do we think of the pedestrianisation of a nature reserve. I’ll be honest, I’m dead against it. Terrible idea
By Alan Partridge
Terrible to do this
By Marjorie frazer
The Lake District as a whole needs to decide if it wants more tourism or not. The location for this development is probably not the best, but It’s getting ridiculous with indecision. Either you’re for tourism growing or you want to cap it and people spend their money elsewhere.
By nope