A CONTROVERSIAL luxury lodge resort planned for land near Barrow could bring an additional £196 million into the area within a decade, it is claimed.

The Roanhead Lodge Resort Development is due to include up to 450 holiday lodges as well as leisure and entertainment facilities.

Campaigners are fighting the development after plans were submitted to the council.

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.

But according to analysis by leading economic development consultants shared by the developers, the resort could deliver major benefits to the area, while also supporting hundreds of new jobs.

An assessment of the proposed scheme by consultancy firm Hatch has claimed the resort would secure £59.1 million in additional GVA (gross value added) in its first ten years of operation through direct employment, with £29.6 million of this money benefiting the Barrow economy.

Gross visitor spend over the same period is estimated to be in the region of £202 million, according to the study, of which £167 million would be in Barrow and the Furness Peninsula.

Jack Schofield, a senior consultant with the Urban Solutions team at Hatch which specialises in economic development, said the business plan for the proposed resort had been assessed according to strict, independently set economic formulae.

He added: “Hatch has assessed the economic benefits of the Roanhead Resort during both delivery and operational phase using robust and rigorous methods that are underpinned by evidence which can withstand rigorous scrutiny. 

“Due to the bespoke nature of the Roanhead Resort, the assessment is also underpinned through market testing and engagement with lodge manufacturers and the preferred resort operator to ensure employment benefits have been accurately estimated. 

“Throughout the process, Hatch adopted a methodology in-line with the requirements HM Treasury Green Book, HCA Additionality Guide, and the HCA Employment Density Guide which are UK Government’s guidance documents on how to appraise the economic impacts of capital projects.”

Planning permission is being sought for the resort, which would feature eco-lodges positioned at low density on the site, which developers said would ensure guests can enjoy space and tranquility during their stay. 

The energy-efficient lodges would be built by a Cumbrian firm.

The analysis claimed new employment and business opportunities, both directly within the proposed resort and as a result of it, would also be created if the resort goes ahead.

Some 265 full time equivalent jobs would be available - with 199 of these workers expected to be from Cumbria and 132 from the Barrow area, said the study.

Additional spending by guests would support a further 237 full-time equivalent jobs across the county, with 196 of these local to Barrow.

The operation of the resort would also prioritise local outsourcing of areas such as housekeeping, retail, leisure, fitness, food, beverage and outdoor activities to create maximum opportunities for existing and new businesses to benefit, a spokesperson said.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, wrote in support of the proposed resort on behalf of the organisation, stating the plans shared its ambition to grow the value of tourism in a sustainable way, supporting business, communities and safeguarding the environment.

She said: “Reflecting specifically on how the proposal aligns with Cumbria Tourism’s Strategy and objectives, it has the potential to offer transformational benefits to Barrow and Furness, increasing the attractiveness of the area as a place to live, work, visit and explore.”