In the frenzy of excitement about the business opportunities that might be opened up by the granting of World Heritage Site status to the Lake District, it is well to remember that the primary purposes of national park status are to preserve the environment.

The Environment Act 1995 set out two statutory purposes for national parks: firstly to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, and secondly to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks by the public.

Allowing major new developments, including large hotels, conference facilities, upgraded transport links and car parks, would undermine these statutory duties of the national park authority and destroy the very attractions visitors come to see.

David Owen

Windermere