THE Ministry of Defence has objected to controversial plans for a zipwire across a main road and reservoir in the Lake District.

Treetop Trek has submitted an application to build a 1,200m-long quadruple line across Thirlmere which would see riders travel twice over the water from heights up to 130m above the ground.

The zipwire will cross the main A591 alongside the lake and will be the highest and longest zip line in England.

As part of the planning process, various organisations are being consulted, including the Ministry of Defence, which uses the Lake District as a training area for low-flying jets and aircraft.

The MOD has responded to the consultation and has registered its objection to the plans.

In a letter submitted to the LDNPA, assistant safeguarding officer Di Sylvester from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said the zip line "poses a risk to low flying operations due to military aircraft not being able to readily identify wires or safely navigate away from them".

The letter states: "The Lake District is used by both experienced crews and students undertaking Basic Fast Jet Training, Advanced Flying Training and those from the Defence Helicopter School; activity stands to be severely affected, with impacts recognised in safety, cost, efficiency and output.

"Therefore, this application could cause a significant hazard and it would significantly impact upon vital military training conducted in this area."

The application has sparked fierce debate with organisations including Friends of the Lake District charity and the Wainwright Society, along with celebrities such as TV star Caroline Quentin and award-winning filmmaker Terry Abraham, coming out against the plans.

In a letter published in Wednesday's Guardian, broadcaster Melvyn Bragg, who lives in High Ireby, described the plans as a "commercial grab".

He wrote: "The destruction of the great pools of silence in the Lake District will most likely deter more people than it will attract.

"This is nothing to do with enhancing the Lake District or enriching the experience. It's a commercial grab that will disfigure the landscape and destroy its crucial peaceful nature."

Cumbria Tourism and the Lake District Park Partnership Business Task Force both backed the scheme, saying the project would boost the county’s tourism industry and local economy.

The LDNPA has said it will provide a “substantive” update by Wednesday, January 24 – the day it will confirm whether or not the application will be considered at the meeting of its development control committee on February 7.