MORE than 3,000 emails and letters of objection or concern have been written in response to controversial plans that would see eight zip wires operating across a Lake District beauty spot.

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has also received a petition of 13,535 against the Thirlmere Activity Hub and 35 organisations have added their voices to the debate, including opposition from the Ministry of Defence.

A letter written by assistant safeguarding officer DI Sylvester said that the proposal would cause 'a significant hazard' to military aircraft.

"The proposed cable in this location poses a risk to low flying operations due to military aircraft not being able to readily identify wires or safely navigate away from them," the letter read.

The objection letter pointed out that the Lake District is used by experienced crews and students undertaking basic fast jet training, advanced flying training and those from the defence helicopter school.

"Therefore, this application could cause a significant hazard and it would significantly impact upon vital military training conducted in this area," the letter said.

However, managing director of TreeTop Treks, the Windermere-based company behind the application, said that he was 'surprised' by the objection.

"We have been in consultation with the MOD since June 2017 and are in receipt of their written confirmation that they would not be objecting to the Thirlmere project," he said. "We are therefore very surprised by this apparent change in stance and are currently seeking their further clarification."

An MOD spokesperson said: “Thirlmere is used by the RAF for low flying training as part of an agreement with the Lake District National Park Authority. After reviewing the full planning document we have determined that the potential impact makes it necessary for us to object to the proposals."

The MOD news comes ahead of a protest rally planned by conservation charity the Friends of the Lake District for Saturday (January 27).

Set to be held at a secret location, those opposed to the zip wires will gather to hear from speakers on topics such as 'the views of a young person' and 'what is the purpose of the our National Park?' The event has had an 'overwhelming response' and all places have been allocated.

However, there has also been support for the proposal, which includes an 8km family-friendly cycleway, with the LDNPA receiving 163 emails and letters in favour..

Among the supporters of the plan is the chair of the Lake District Hoteliers Association, Joe Cobb.

In a letter lodged with the LDNPA, he wrote: "We believe that the proposed Thirlmere activity hub will make a fantastic additional attraction to the Lake District - meeting the needs of both existing visitors and also new audiences, particularly younger visitors."

The application has also received support from Cumbria Tourism, Cumbria's Chamber of Commerce and The Lake District Park Partnership Business Task Force.

And Treetop Trek has said the activity hub would create 53 local jobs, generate an extra £600,000 spend in the local economy with a predicted growth of 127,000 visitors every year.

The LDNPA is now assessing all of the available information in line with planning policy and considerations and drafting a committee report for its March 7 Development Control Committee.