A planning application for major tourism development in the Borrowdale valley has been turned down today. The proposal for the development of 10 'eco-lodges', seven holiday cottages and parking spaces at Low Borrowdale Farm in the Borrowdale valley between Kendal and Shap was refused by Eden District Council's Planning Committee.

Borrowdale is one of the few remaining tranquil valleys in the eastern lakes as it has no road access, and only one inhabited house. The proposed new development would have drastically changed the character of the valley, which has been classed as of National Park quality by Natural England.

Richard Pearse, Friends of the Lake District's planning officer, led the objections at the meeting and said: 'We are very pleased with the outcome. The proposal not only raised numerous conflicts with local and national planning policy, but also generated over 300 letters of objection. Our view has always been that the proposal was in the wrong location. The committee's decision vindicates this.'

Conservation charity Friends of the Lake District represents the Campaign to Protect Rural England in Cumbria, and owns the adjoining land High Borrowdale. The charity bought High Borrowdale in 2002, to enhance the landscape and protect it from future inappropriate development.

Friends of the Lake District bought High Borrowdale in 2002, to enhance the landscape and protect it from future inappropriate development. Since then we have:
- repaired 5 km of dry stone walls
- repaired three buildings
- planted 10,000 new trees in two new sections of woodland
- created an upland hay meadow
- opened the whole site up to public access
- welcomed the public on to it for talks and schools visits
- held regular volunteer conservation days

To find out more or volunteer, please phone 01539 720788.