A hotel chain has been given the green light to use a Lake District guest house as staff digs.
The Inn Collection, which runs The Coniston Inn, will use the former Lakeland House guest house and cafe for up to 12 staff members as it battles to attract workers to the area – like much of the hospitality sector.
The Lake District National Park’s development control committee agreed to the application at a recent meeting.
Neil Henderson, LDNPA area planner, said there were significant problems with providing staff accommodation in the Lake District amid rising house prices.
He said: “Wages probably haven’t kept up with that rise.”
However, Coniston Parish Council objected to the plans. Michael Dearnley, clerk to the parish council, in a representation published online, said: “The café area to the front of the building opposite the village’s main car park and village green, which had been open to view from the street, is now clearly a mess inside.
“The visual impact of the state in which this room is being left has caused complaints and negative comments from both residents and visitors alike.”
Vicky Hughes, development control committee member, suggested at the meeting that the parish council could put pressure on The Inn Collection Group to ensure the appearance of Lakeland House was maintained.
Mr Henderson said: “I would hope that part of their responsibilities would be to maintain good relationships with the local community and to make sure that the properties are managed in an appropriate way.”
Committee member Hugh Branney asked Mr Henderson about Coniston Parish Council’s claim that the change of use being sought was retrospective.
Mr Henderson said: “They [the applicant] say they’re just currently using guest accommodation as previously basically, so there’s an existing use, but they’re not advertising it extensively as they would have done previously. I think it’s fair to say that the café use has ceased and that is not currently operating.”
Committee member Paul Turner said: “As Neil’s already pointed out, there is a massive shortage of staff accommodation. One loss is someone else’s gain.”
Ms Hughes said: “We desperately need people staying in the area, working in the area.”
