THE CHIEF executive of Cumbria's Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of controversial plans that would see eight zip wires running over Thirlmere.

Rob Johnston believes the economic benefits of the adrenaline attraction would likely be 'substantial'.

“It would create 28 full-time equivalent jobs, attract 127,000 visitors annually and boost GVA by £1.3m, so helping to “foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the national park” – one of the National Park’s stated objectives," he said.

“Interestingly, three zipwires have opened in the Snowdonia National Park in Wales since 2013 under the Zip World brand.

“Their impact has exceeded expectations."

Plans for an activity hub at the reservoir have been put forward by Windermere-based Treetop Trek Ltd. As well as the zip wires, the Thirlmere Activity Hub would offer an 18km long family-friendly cycle way.

Mr Johnston argued that the zip wires in Snowdonia had pumped £121m into the local economy and created 218 jobs, with visitors spending an average of £251-£500.

“The Thirlmere zipwire will widen Cumbria’s appeal. The arguments in its favour are compelling and we hope the planners agree," Mr Johnston said.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce is not the first county organisation to support the plans, with managing director of Cumbria Tourism Gill Haigh expressing her approval last month.

She argued that it was 'vitally important' that the county was targeting younger audiences to ensure the 'long-term sustainability' of the tourism industry.

However, there has been staunch opposition to the plans from organisations such as the National Trust, Friends of the Lake District and the British Mountaineering Council.

And high profile figures such as actress and president of the Campaign for National Parks Caroline Quentin and filmmaker Terry Abraham have both spoken out against the proposals.

At last count, the Lake District National Park Authority had received approximately 800 email and letter representations, both in support and objection to the application.

All representations need to be submitted by or before January 12, 2018 and the earliest the application will be taken to the Development Control Committee is February 7.