Future plans for zip wires at Thirlmere have been ruled out by the landowner.

United Utilities said following the publication of the Lake District National Park Authority’s draft report on Treetop Trek's plans it has withdrawn its support for the zip wire proposals at Thirlmere.

Treetop Trek withdrew its application because it said, it had lost support from the Ministry of Defence.

The report revealed that planners were recommended to refuse the application.

It said if the development went ahead, it would be adverse to the landscape, which it says is defined by a strong sense of tranquillity, remoteness and lack of development and would fail to “respect the significance of Thirlmere and its role in the formation of the early conservation movement”.

The report added: “It would not result in substantial public benefits which would outweigh the identified harm.”

The proposed development would be contrary to several policies, the report said, and users of the zip wires, when crossing the A591, would cause a distraction to motorists.

The report said: “As such the proposals have the potential to cause an increased risk, danger and inconvenience to all users of the highway.”

It also said that the proposal would cause a risk to low flying military training which takes place in the area, as aircraft would not be able to readily identify the wires or safely navigate away from them.

United Utilities, which owns the land in the valley, said it was following the planning authority’s lead and did not intend to support a resubmission by the applicant.

Paul Phillips, northern catchment manager at United Utilities, said: “From the outset we said that the planning authority was best placed to make the judgement on the suitability of the site for a zip wire, and that we would abide by its decision.

“While we were satisfied that the zip wire would not have had a detrimental impact on water quality in the valley, we always acknowledged that wider impacts would need consideration.

“On the basis of the findings in the LDNPA’s draft report we will not be facilitating any resubmission of the plans by the developer.”

United Utilities said it would continue forestry operations as normal in the Thirlmere Valley.

Paul added: “We uncovered and refurbished the Fisher Crag track last year as part of ongoing restoration work following Storm Desmond and to allow access for forestry work and maintenance in the plantation at the top of the track.

“It forms part of our overall plan to remove some of the overgrown conifers in the valley and encourage the growth of native broadleaf woodland which is better for wildlife.

“It’s important for people to understand that our work to manage the estate will continue.

"We’re committed to maintaining a beautiful and biodiverse valley at Thirlmere, for the benefit of visitors as well as water quality and wildlife."