FUTURE applications for a zipwire at Thirlmere will not be supported by the owner of the land.

Following the publication of the Lake District National Park Authority’s (LDNPA) draft report on the plans originally proposed by Treetop Trek, United Utilities has withdrawn its support for the zip wire proposals at Thirlmere.

The Windermere based business withdrew its Thirlmere Activity Hub application, which included eight zip wires, because it did not have the support of the Ministry of Defence.

However, following a Freedom of Information request by Friends of the Lake District, the LDNPA's draft report revealed it would have recommended refusal.

United Utilities, which owns the land in the valley, says it is following the planning authority’s lead and it would not support a resubmission by the applicant.

Paul Phillips, northern catchment manager at United Utilities, said: “From the outset we said that the planning authority was best placed to make the judgement on the suitability of the site for a zip wire, and that we would abide by its decision.

“While we were satisfied that the zip wire would not have had a detrimental impact on water quality in the valley, we always acknowledged that wider impacts would need consideration.

“On the basis of the findings in the LDNPA’s draft report we will not be facilitating any resubmission of the plans by the developer.”

However, director of Treetop Treks Mike Turner said that United Utilities' withdrawal represents an 'opportunity missed'.

"I wholeheartedly believed in the proposal and still do believe in its principles: that the Lake District is for all generations, all abilities and people from all walks of life," he said.

"Opening up the Thirlmere Valley to greater recreational use was a very positive opportunity for Cumbria and now, as United Utilities have withdrawn their support, I believe it is an opportunity missed."

He added that it had been 'interesting' to observe the debate around the plans becoming about who should be encouraged to enjoy the Lakes and how they are allowed to do so.

"Regrettably I believe some of the county’s most prominent spokespeople have propagated some of the more negative aspects of this debate and amplified some unhelpful stereotypes," he said. "I’m not suggesting for a second that they do not care deeply for the Lake District, I’m just not sure their choice of words has sent out a true representation of the area and its people to the millions of would-be visitors.

"I am unwavering in my belief that the county needs to be open-minded and receptive to change in order to keep its tourism industry thriving and to continue to be a beautiful place in which to live, work and visit. I also believe that ‘adventure’ has a far broader scope and definition than some prominent groups have suggested.

"While some find the concept distasteful, the Lake District is underpinned by a tourist economy and as such is a product in a market place; like all products it needs to keep an eye on its future customers as well as pleasing its present. There is no doubt that above all the Lake District is a spectacular landscape and one that should be protected and cherished. I just hope that those claiming to be its custodians keep in touch with those they are protecting it for, the many that is and not the few."

United Utilities said that it would continue forestry operations as normal in the Thirlmere Valley.