Plans to create new parking areas at a South Lakeland zoo has been refused by the district council.
The proposal would have seen 44 additional vehicle spaces introduced at The Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, near Milnthorpe, bringing the total number of spaces at the site to 109.
Approval was also being sought for the creation of a new reception area and nature reserve.
Planning documents said: “The present arrangement and size of the car park and reception areas is becoming unsatisfactory.
“Increasing visitor numbers mean the existing car park is too small, and there is nowhere else in the vicinity for visitors to park without causing a hazard.”
The application envisaged a new parking area giving way to a grassed overflow parking area.
However, in turning down the application from Jo Marsden, a South Lakeland District Council spokesman said insufficient evidence had been provided to justify the need for a car park of this scale.
“This proposal would cause unacceptable harm to the landscape character of the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from short- and long-ranging views, for which landscaping would not adequately mitigate,” he said.
