United Utilities withdraws support for zip wire plans

Following the publication of the Lake District National Park Authority’s draft report on the plans originally proposed by Treetop Trek, United Utilities has withdrawn its support for the zip wire proposals at Thirlmere.

United Utilities - which owns the land in the valley - says it is following the planning authority’s lead and does not intend to support a resubmission by the applicant.

Paul Phillips, Northern Catchment Manager at United Utilities, said: “From the outset we said that the planning authority was best placed to make the judgement on the suitability of the site for a zip wire, and that we would abide by its decision.

“While we were satisfied that the zip wire would not have had a detrimental impact on water quality in the valley, we always acknowledged that wider impacts would need consideration.

“On the basis of the findings in the LDNPA’s draft report we will not be facilitating any resubmission of the plans by the developer.”

United Utilities said that it would continue forestry operations as normal in the Thirlmere Valley.

Paul added: “We uncovered and refurbished the Fisher Crag track last year as part of ongoing restoration work following Storm Desmond and to allow access for forestry work and maintenance in the plantation at the top of the track.

“It forms part of our overall plan to remove some of the overgrown conifers in the valley and encourage the growth of native broadleaf woodland which is better for wildlife.

“It’s important for people to understand that our work to manage the estate will continue. We’re committed to maintaining a beautiful and biodiverse valley at Thirlmere, for the benefit of visitors as well as water quality and wildlife.