AROUND £100 million is due to be invested into a 'state of the art' holiday resort in Furness.

Plans to bring hundreds of lodges - as well as restaurants and leisure facilities - to Roanhead were shown off to the public yesterday.

The developers behind the project have promised the proposed resort will be among the best in the country and provide a major boost to the area.

Those behind the resort also say they are prepared to listen to concerns raised by the public.

Developers ILM Group displayed plans for the resort at events in Barrow and Dalton yesterday, with a further exhibition in Aslam today.

Around 450 lodges are due to be built at the site alongside eco-cabins, sports facilities and dog walking trails.

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Speaking at the event in Barrow, the company's chief executive, Andrew Coutts, revealed the project would be worth around £100 million and be built in at least two phases.

He said: "I know that we're going to create something which is going to be good for Barrovians, going to be a great place for people to come and play sports, to eat and drink, to have parties, use the spa and use some state of the art leisure facilities.

"We're partnering with one of Europe's top resort operators and it's going to operated to a very high standard."

Early concerns about the project appear to revolve around damage to the nearby area and traffic issues caused by thousands of people visiting the site. 

David Lysons, who lives near the proposed site, said he was concerned about the neighbouring nature reserve.

"How are you going to stop people from wandering around the nature reserve," he said.

Dave McGill, who also attended the event at The Forum, said: "They are taking the amenities away from local people and giving them to tourists."

Barbara Shand described the site as a 'glorified caravan park' but said she was hopeful it would bring trade to Barrow.

The resort would be operated by Landal GreenParks, which runs resorts across Europe.

Mr Coutts said he was aware of concerns and steps would be taken to prevent environmental damage in the area.

He also said discussions had taken place with Cumbria County Council about potential issues with the road accessing the site and suggested it could be altered to create more passing places if needed.

"We have to listen to public opinion and if public opinion is strong enough about a specific facet or aspect of it, then we will take note of it," he said.

The proposals are out for public consultation and can be viewed on Barrow Council's planning portal.