In reply to a lakeland climber:
I've seen a similar zip wire in a valley above the french ski village of Chatel on the Swiss/French border. When it wasn't being used it was not at all obtrusive, you really struggled to see it. When it was being used the only clue you got was a bit of noise generated by the pulley wheel zipping along the cable, it was again visually unobtrusive.
The other main activity in the area was mountain biking and that had a much higher impact on the area, but was acceptable because it brought people to the area out of the ski season and allowed the chair lift infrastructure to be utilised nearly the whole year round. The local community obviously benefited from a diverse range of activities.
I would say from experience that the biggest impact in the Lake District is from people flooding into the area by road, and all trying to move around independently in a car. Some days its gridlock, and to be honest a lot of the visitors aren't going to do much other than buy some shiny waterproofs and go on a low level walk around a lake, especially when its peeing down.
Don't prevent the Honister Zip Wire. BUT do close (restrict) the roads, make the Lakes National Park a massive park and ride scheme. Massive subterranean car parks N, S and East of the Park boundary. Better rail hubs in Kendal, Oxenholme station, and tram people into the park from there. Utilise eco-friendly forms of tram etc etc, make the network within the park area extensive and reliable. Perhaps make local farmers and other essential local industries exempt from transport restrictions so their businesses aren't restricted. Build that lot and the government could really say they have pumped billions into a massive infrastructure project and help kickstart the economy..... government could also say they have started a North West regional development policy.... think of the businesses that could survive in the Lancaster, Kendal Carlisle areas servicing all the transport used in the lakes.
AND, no car noise in the valleys, peace at Shepherds Crag. ????????