'HELPLESS' residents have blasted plans to overhaul an idyllic lakeside spot which they say will 'destroy' its tranquility.

The National Trust's proposed major revamp for Fell Foot Park, at the southern tip of Windermere, has rocked residents living nearby who say they live in fear of the 'commercial intent' and scale of the plans.

Concerns raised by the objectors include the site becoming a 24-hour operation and the development of a new main visitor entrance.

Michael Cullen, 45, who has lived opposite the park for seven years, said: "There's a whole bunch of elderly people that feel they are having this 'done' to them. They feel they don't have a voice big enough to stand up against the National Trust."

He has been in talks with the residents of Atkinson Court, adjacent to Fell Foot, who he said felt 'helpless' and 'ignored'.

Mr Cullen, a partner at Deloitte, said the community objected to the proposed glamping pods which would stand around 30 metres from his garden.

If there was noise from the campers, he claimed there would be just one warden to control any disturbances.

Another worry was the pulling down of a Victorian wall for the creation of a new entrance. The old clubhouse and shower block will be removed to give way for a new watersports centre and sailing club, while a new 40 metreWindermere Lakes Cruises jetty will provide a base for a ferry.

"It's going to be a 24-hour operation," said Mr Cullen. "With a shop on site there will be early morning deliveries, glampers there and cars entering and exiting all day. It will destroy what it's all about - the seclusion and element of beauty."

Along with the increase in traffic it will bring to the area, he said it was not in keeping with the strategy laid out by the National Trust.

Trevor Pollard, of Atkinson Court, said: "In my opinion Torie Dodd's grand schemes fly in the face of the true National Trust ethos which seeks always to safeguard and enhance the natural environment and always seeks to work with and respect the local community.

"The developments here fail on both counts. I know no-one in our neighbourhood who would condone these proposals."

A letter strongly objecting to the plans has also been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority by Staveley-in-Cartmel Parish Council.

The Gazette reported last week that the National Trust has had a 'lot of expressions of support' for the proposals' with many people welcoming the plans.