A PLANNING application related to a controversial proposal for an extensive £100m holiday resort in the Furness area has been received, Westmorland and Furness Council (WFC) has confirmed. 

Around 550,000 sq metres of land has initially been earmarked for the scheme at Roanhead Farm, close to Askam, with around 450 holiday lodges anticipated.

A scoping report that has already been submitted says the site could feature a restaurant, gym, pool and children's petting farm. 

And it is now known that a formal application, the next stage in the process, has been lodged with WFC. It is understood, however, that the council has requested further information from the applicant before details of the plan are made available online and a consultation process can begin.

The proposed resort continues to face stiff opposition. A petition set up against the scheme and citing the prospect of 'devastating consequences' for wildlife has generated more than 4,000 signatures, while the National Trust and Friends of the Lake District have expressed concerns.

READ MORE: Petition opposing 450-lodge holiday resort set up

The May newsletter from conservation charity Cumbria Wildlife Trust (CWT) acknowledges the news that a formal planning application has been submitted.

"We're very concerned that the proposed development will have unacceptable impacts on the natural environment and protected sites and species of the area, in particular on the internationally important Duddon Estuary and Sandscale Haws and its Natterjack Toad population," says a CWT spokesman in the document.

"One-quarter of the UK population of these toads breeds close to the proposed development.

"We'll publish our response to the application soon and will be in touch with you, or members, to enable you to respond as well."

READ MORE: £100m to be put into 'state of the art' holiday resort in Furness

The scoping report for the Roanhead development, submitted by environmental consultancy firm enzygo, says the layout of the scheme would include 'several' breeding ponds for Natterjack Toads.

"Certain areas of grassland will be maintained as a low sward, favoured by foraging and commuting Natterjacks," it says.

"Opportunities to create resting places, hibernacula and sandy burrowing sites beneath certain lodges are also being explored."

The report says the plan would involve tree, shrub and hedgerow planting.