Saving our fells
Say no to the Blaze Fell development
*** March 2024 Update****
Protestors say no to the Blaze Fell luge
Julia Aglionby leads Save Blaze Fell Campaign
I joined 90 protestors gathered on Blaze Fell on Saturday the 9th March to make clear that we to the oppose development on the fell and that is in fact an act that has been labelled rural vandalism. People aged from nine to ninety as well as a number of dogs, walked from the minor road up the permissive footpath to the top of the fell. Here, we documented the layout of the carpark and two-story building with footage from a drone. The aim of the protest was to both draw attention to the scale of the proposed development and the unspoilt natural beauty of the site.
Those on the walk commented on the absurdity of the location of the proposed development, so far away from any road or infrastructure as well as the limited amount of tree coverage that the developers claim will make the site invisible. Also, there were a number of comments about the lack of steepness of the hill. Many fear that the luge track will either soon lay in disrepair like another site in Lancashire or will simply be the first step in an even larger development.
Prior to the walk, I said to the crowd.
“The first principle of the Local Plan requires Development to be sympathetic to its surroundings and fit in with the local landscape and architecture. I have 3 questions for you.
1. Do you think a car park for 100 cars and several coaches on the fell is ‘sympathetic’ to its remote surroundings?
2. Do you think a huge glass fronted café fits in with the local landscape?
3. Do you think this luge proposal prizes and protects our rural communities?
I qualified as a Chartered Surveyor 23 years ago and have been involved in many developments. I am for a thriving rural economy but like you I answer No, No and No to these three questions.”
This issue has been rumbling on for over two and a half years
The Strategic Planning Committee are still deciding whether to approve a huge tourist attraction on Blaze Fell just outside of Armathwaite. The colossal development will feature an 840m concrete luge track, service buildings, a large hospitality venue as well as parking for over 100 cars and coaches. This will all sit on the only sandstone ridge in Cumbria.
This is rural vandalism
Over 700 tonnes of concrete, a material with a significant carbon footprint, is proposed to be used. There will be a serious risk of contaminating the already severely polluted River Eden and there has still been no ecological or environmental survey carried out by developers. This is simply rural vandalism and is direct conflict with Eden’s local plan policies about development in the open countryside.
This development will severely harm Armathwaite and the other surrounding villages. There are inadequate public transport links to the site so we can expect over 500 extra cars a day using our minor rural roads, significantly increasing both noise and air pollution. Residents, farmers and emergency services already struggle at peak times on these small country roads and this will only be exacerbated if this development goes ahead.
There will be no benefit to the local economy
Local hospitality businesses already struggle to recruit staff so, despite the developers claims, there will be limited economic benefit to those in the village, especially as most visitors will be day trippers who won’t venture into the local area to spend money.
Tourists are attracted to the Eden valley by its tranquillity and natural beauty. Such a large construction project in the open countryside is wholly inappropriate and the low wage jobs will do little to enhance our economy. I am proud to call the Eden Valley my home and I will stand side-by-side with my local community to oppose this hill top car park and café – a blot on our precious landscape.
For more information and to sign our petition, visit:
