Borrowdale, on the eastern edge of the Lake District. Photo: Edmund Hoare

The company that planned to build a controversial holiday village in one of Cumbria’s most unspoilt valleys has put the site on the market after failing to get planning permission.

Manchester-based Natural Retreats faced opposition from Sir Chris Bonington and numerous other campaigners when it submitted plans for the ‘eco-village’ in Borrowdale, on the eastern fringe of the Lake District. The company already has a similar development near Richmond in Swaledale, in the Yorkshire Dales. Its other sites are all in the Republic of Ireland.

Low Borrowdale, one of only two settlements in the valley, to the West of Tebay, was bought from farmer John Clarke, who stayed on as a tenant. The plan was to build ten holiday chalets alongside a similar number of cottages, along with parking and the laying of an asphalt road to the development.

Sir Chris Bonington, who objected to the development

Sir Chris, in his submission to Eden District Council, said: ““Having walked the Borrowdale valley on several occasions over the years, I believe it is one of the loveliest valleys in Cumbria, all the more attractive for its quietness and pristine quality.

“It is not surprising that it is being considered for inclusion in the national park – something long overdue in my opinion.

“I fully appreciate the need to diversify and strengthen the rural economy but this needs to be carried out on a long term sustainable basis. Even in economic terms, maintaining the pristine beauty of our Lakeland and Cumbrian unspoilt valleys must make sense, for this is why this area is such a focus for tourism.

“The Borrowdale valley is unique and should remain so, hopefully, one day, becoming one of the jewels in the national park diadem.”

Councillors turned down Natural Retreats’ plan, saying the development would have a ‘detrimental effect on the character and quality of the landscape’.

The Friends of the Lake District, of which Sir Chris is vice-president, expressed relief that the planning committee had refused the application. Richard Pearse, planning officer for the Friends, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome. The proposal not only raised numerous conflicts with local and national planning policy, but also generated over 300 letters of objection.

“Our view has always been that the proposal was in the wrong location. The committee’s decision vindicates this.”

Low Borrowdale has been put on the market, along with its two herds of hefted sheep, with a guide price of £750,000.

Ewan Kearney said: “Planners wanted it left totally untouched so we’ve decided to concentrate on other locations we have acquired.”

The Friends of the Lake District own neighbouring High Borrowdale, which it acquired to protect it from any further development.