A Lake District hotel has been given the go-ahead to build a boathouse and guest accommodation by the Government.
The Lake District National Park Authority refused Storrs Hall, in Bowness, permission to build the venue on the shore of Windermere.
But the Planning Inspectorate overturned that decision.
The proposed boathouse will have a two-bedroom unit as part of it and a minimal, non-ramped channel leading to the wet dock area of the boathouse and new external jetty.
In September, members of the development control committee for the LDNPA turned down plans for the boathouse against planning officers’ advice.
Officers said: “The proposed development would be acceptable in principle and would be of an appropriate design and scale, that reflects the character of the area and conserves the setting of the designated heritage assets and amenity value of the surrounding woodland.”
But committee members unanimously refused the application.
A decision notice issued by the LDNPA at the time stated: “The proposed boathouse by reason of its design, scale and form, particularly the size, levels of glazing and prominence of the first-floor guest accommodation, would fail to reflect the traditional character and appearance of vernacular boathouses.
“The proposals would contribute towards the incremental spread of development along this undeveloped section of the Windermere lakeshore, within the open countryside.”
However, a planning inspector concluded the proposed development would not conflict with the development plan.
A heritage statement submitted by the applicants said: “The work proposed is part of a programme of investment to enhance the facilities of the hotel, and to provide additional accommodation and boating sport opportunities for visitors.
“The proposed interventions will enable a larger group of visitors to enjoy the vista of Storrs Hall, which contributes to the English Lake District World Heritage Sites Outstanding Universal Value.”
