Judge to consider Lake District zip wire ruling
A hearing into a controversial plan for a Lake District tourist attraction has ended, with a ruling expected on a future date.
Friends of the Lake District claimed planners misunderstood their responsibilities when they gave the go-ahead to a proposed zip wire at Elterwater Quarry.
The charity said a "tranquil" vision of the national park was at stake in the case.
A lawyer for the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) told a judicial review hearing the body had applied the relevant law when awarding planning permission.
The Elterwater Quarry Experience would allow visitors to explore a cavern using zip wires and viewing platforms, according to planning papers.
Friends of the Lake District said its main concern was that it would bring too much traffic to the "tranquil" area.
The planned operator of the site, Zip World, has produced a travel plan designed to encourage the use of public transport and bikes to reach the site.
But Friends of the Lake District's chief executive Michael Hill told the BBC the plan was "broken" and would not work.
Ned Westaway, representing LDNPA, told the High Court hearing in Manchester the authority had imposed a "workable" planning condition on the developer to ensure its travel plan was satisfactory.
Friends of the Lake District argued LDNPA had failed to place enough weight on conserving the natural beauty of the area in making its decision.
National park authorities are obliged to prioritise this characteristic ahead of promoting enjoyment of the park by the public, such as through visitor attractions, if the two are in conflict.
Michael Brett, representing Friends of the Lake District, told the court it was "common sense" that efforts to promote enjoyment of the park should not undermine the very qualities people enjoy.
But Mr Westaway said the authority had applied the law correctly when weighing up the pros and cons of the development.
Mr Justice Mould told the hearing he would "think carefully" about his decision before handing down a judgement on a future date.
If he favours Friends of the Lake District, the planning permission will be quashed and the decision reconsidered by LDNPA.
Zip World and the site's owner, Burlington Stone, are yet to respond to a request for comment.
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