MYSTERY surrounds the future of an ex-zoo boss' controversial plans for a riding centre in Wasdale after an announcement that they had been shelved.

David Gill, who ran the former South Lakes Wild Animal Park at Dalton from 1994 to 2017, had submitted a planning application to the Lake District National Park Authority under the name David Rivera for consent to offer horse riding and carriage drives from Windsor Farm.

It came two years after an application to renew Mr Gill’s zoo licence was rejected following a report from inspectors that revealed nearly 500 animals had died on site in four years.

But a Wasdale Riding Centre page post on Facebook yesterday morning said the plans were being shelved for health reasons.

It said: “It is with great regret and deep sadness that due to unforeseen health circumstances Wasdale Riding Centre will no longer be opening in May.

“It has been exciting preparing and getting ready for the adventure but we now must make the decision not to open as a business for the foreseeable future.

“All forward bookings will be contacted regarding your deposits. Thank you for your support throughout. Life’s circumstance change in seconds and we have no control over it.”

It came after the Lake District National Park Authority received around 90 letters of objection.

But when contacted about the announcement, Mr Gill simply replied: “No news, no story, no changes to anything.”

A national park authority spokesman said the application had not been withdrawn.

However, within hours of the post being published, the riding centre’s page has disappeared from Facebook. Its own website remained active.

Andrew Smith, assistant head of development management at the national park authority, said the objections related to animal welfare.

He said: “Consultation and assessment of the application is ongoing. A determination will be made in due course."

The earliest possible date for the plans to go before planning would be May 2.