CAMPAIGNERS are fighting the development of a controversial holiday resort after plans were formally submitted.

A resort with 450 lodges and sports and leisure facilities is due to be constructed on farmland near Roanhead if plans gain approval.

After an initial public consultation held by developers ILM Group, more than 5,000 people signed a petition against the lodge resort.

Nearly 4,000 people have joined a Facebook group campaigning against the proposal.

Save Roanhead campaign member and founder Kelly Holland said: "The petition has now reached 5,000 people - far surpassing my original hopes.

"This illustrates how many people feel the same way about saving Roanhead from the catastrophic effects that mass tourism will cause in this delicate area.

"We have visitors and locals alike who all agree that the magic of Roanhead should be left alone in its majestic untouched beauty"

Fellow campaigner Clive Welch said: "The numbers now opposed to this development is unprecedented for the Furness area, there has never been opposition on this scale for any other project ever.

"The outcry caused by this planning application has astounded me.

"In short, the vast majority of people in Furness simply don’t want it, they see no benefit and are extremely concerned about the environmental footprint consequence of this."

Submitting the plans, the developers conceded there were 'strong opinions' on the resort.

Surveys conducted by the developers attracted 'strongly negative and strongly positive' responses'.

Those behind the holiday park claim it could provide an economic boost to the area and bring hundreds of jobs.

They have accepted there will be a 'significant' impact on the surrounding wildlife and environment but say they have produced plans to mitigate that.

The plans are being supported by Cumbria Tourism, with the body claiming the project could provide a major boost for Furness.

Drawings submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council show plans for a health club and pool, sports courts, play areas, a bar and brasserie, a spa and an events barn.

The proposals are out for public consultation until July 16.