A number of local businesses have come out in support of plans for a holiday resort on the Furness peninsula.

A group of 16 local retailers have written to Westmorland and Furness Council in support of revised proposals from developers ILM Group for the Roanhead Lodge Resort.

Among the businesses are local pubs, car garages, food outlets, hair and beauty businesses, Marsh Farm Caravan Site, Askam Post Office, Charnley’s Garden Centre, and two local sports clubs: Duddon Sports & Social Club and Askam Rugby League Club.

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The organisations, who developers claim collectively account for 80 per cent of the commercial presence in the Askam & Ireleth area, have each made representations in favour of the proposed  233 lodges at Roanhead Farm.

Marc Charnley, owner of Charnley’s Garden Centre, said: “As a business in Dalton-in-Furness, it’s encouraging to see significant investment come into the area and the inevitable increase in footfall this will bring.

“The region has long grappled with job market diversity, and the prospect of numerous job and training opportunities, including in the hospitality sector, is undeniably positive news. This influx not only promises economic growth but also offers hope for a more vibrant and inclusive local economy.”

Developers say independent economic consultants Hatch project the Roanhead Lodge Resort would provide an estimated £10.8m annually in visitor spending for Cumbria, predominantly in Barrow.

John Parrott, owner of Polly’s Plaice fish and chip shop, said: “I’ve been conducting business in Askam-in-Furness for 22 years and the recent economic decline, marked by multiple closures of local businesses, has been a real setback for our community.

“Therefore, the prospect of a new resort presents a significant opportunity for rejuvenation and will be a great facility for people locally as well as the families of BAE workers.”

Developers say the resort’s construction is anticipated to generate 209 jobs and, once operational, it is projected to create 184 permanent positions, primarily for Barrow and Cumbria residents.

Additionally, the developers said there would be a training academy offering apprenticeship roles across a variety of sectors, with ILM Group stating that they will work with local education providers to ensure local people have access to these opportunities.

Lee Stoller, who runs Stoller Furniture Store, said: “The proposals for Roanhead Lodge Resort can help to grow the visitor economy by encouraging people to explore and spend in this part of the county, which will be of benefit to our local business community and the people who live and work here.”

Andrew Coutts, CEO of ILM Group, said: “This project represents a significant investment into the region which will have wider benefits for the local economy and community.

“I am delighted our proposals have received support from local businesses who have recognised the positive impact the resort will have on the area.”

However, the plans have proved controversial with MP for Barrow and Furness Simon Fell labelling them as ‘reckless’ for their impact on the environment.

Friends of the Lake District, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the National Trust, among other organisations, have objected to the proposals.