A family’s plan to convert a barn into a self-catering holiday let has been refused.
The Knott family, who own the barn next to their farmhouse, lodged an application with the Lake District National Park Authority to help generate income because of ‘high living costs’ at Town Foot, Troutbeck, near Windermere.
But members decided approving the plans would be contrary to their plan because it would not be used as a local needs dwelling.
The family was represented by Sarah Collins who said: “Mr Knott and his family have lived in the area for several years and the family need to generate income to justify the high running costs of living in the farmhouse.”
A report prepared for the meeting of the development control committee said the site had history with being used unofficially as a holiday let.
“In May 2015 we issued an enforcement notice in relation to the use of the former barn as a separate holiday letting dwelling,” it said.
“An appeal against the enforcement notice was dismissed in February 2016 and it was understood that the use as a separate dwelling had ceased in compliance with the requirements of the enforcement notice.“
In 2018 we became aware that the applicant was living in the former barn and letting the farmhouse as holiday accommodation.
This separate use of the former barn was in contravention of the enforcement notice and so resulted in an offence being committed.
“The applicant’s agent has confirmed that the former barn is no longer being occupied as a separate dwelling and the enforcement notice is now being complied with.”
Lakes Parish Council recommended refusal saying the applicant bought the property knowing of the caveat relating to it.
“The financial matters referred to by the applicant are not a planning issue, it said.
“This is an unneighbourly development as it will have an impact on immediate neighbouring properties and may well set a precedent in the village.”
Representations were made by members of the public with nine offering support and one objection.
Members voted four for and four against recommending approval so planning chairman Geoff Davis made the final call.
He said: “This is difficult to approve as it is a matter of balance both ways . It is a fine judgement. Our policy is a guide.”
