THE creator of a petition opposing a new holiday resort that could be built in Furness has spoken out to condemn the plan. 

Kelly Holland said it was a 'travesty' that the facility, which would feature around 450 lodges, was being discussed. 

She said Roanhead Beach, close to the proposed construction site near Askam, was a haven for the rare Natterjack Toad and that the population would be threatened by 'any kind of disturbance'.

"Why can't we be proud and keep something so precious [the habitat]," she said.

"Why do we have to try and make everything urbanised?"

READ MORE: Petition opposing 450-lodge holiday resort set up

Andrew Coutts, managing director of developer ILM Group, previously said the resort would 'encourage people to visit Barrow and the wider Furness Peninsula'.

But Mrs Holland, of Barrow, dismissed this, suggesting people would mostly remain on the extensive resort site – which could feature a farm shop, children's petting farm and gym – and that there was 'nothing in Barrow for them to come for'.

"It's not going to be some big 'save Barrow' job," she said.

"They are not going to come into Barrow to do some shopping." 

She has set up a Facebook page – 'Save Roanhead from developers' – and a petition on change.org to oppose the plan for the holiday resort. On Monday afternoon, the petition had received almost 1,500 signatures. Mrs Holland also wants people to write to the council expressing their concerns.

"There are bats [in the area]," she said.

"There are Great Crested Newts. There are lots of different plant species that are endangered.

"I feel very strongly that we need to protect what we have got. 

"If that was a colony of tigers, would you be happy for someone to come and build there?

"But, because it's a toad, it's out of sight, out of mind."

A scoping report submitted by environmental consultancy firm enzygo says the layout of the scheme would include 'several' breeding ponds for Natterjack Toads.

"Certain areas of grassland will be maintained as a low sward, favoured by foraging and commuting Natterjacks," it says.

"Opportunities to create resting places, hibernacula and sandy burrowing sites beneath certain lodges are also being explored."

The report says the plan would involve tree, shrub and hedgerow planting.

An outline application for the resort is set to be submitted to Barrow Council.

Mrs Holland's petition can be viewed at tinyurl.com/bdht6f2b