The theme park is based on the Eden Project in Cornwall

A consortium wants to build an "elemental" theme park called Utropia.

The project - dubbed eco-Disney - is based on the Eden Project in Cornwall and would feature white knuckle rides based on the elemental themes of air, earth, fire and water.

It is hoped a 1,200-acre stretch of land on a former arms dump at Broughton Moor in West Cumbria will the site of a huge park.

Consortium leader Nigel Catterson, said: "If we get the right backing for this we could have a project as successful as the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Work with developers

"That park attracts millions of visitors every year and there are more than 2,000 jobs which have been created in the area as a result.

"There is no reason why we can't do the same in Cumbria."

Allerdale Borough Council says it wants to buy the site and work with developers.

But it remains to be convinced about the Utropia project.

A spokesman said: "We welcome all expressions of interest, particularly those with local input.

'Long-term success'

"The ideas sound exciting, although some further work would appear necessary in terms of identifying sources of finance.

"We will be happy to consider the proposals along with others we have already received and others that may come in in the future."

But consortium member John Bodger, an architect from Penrith, said: "This can definitely be achieved.

"We already have the support of business leaders and educationalists throughout Cumbria, which would be crucial for the long-term success of a project of this type."

Mr Catterson said if the consortium gained local authority backing, the Utropia could be up and running by 2007.