Plans to build new ‘world class’ accommodation at a Lake District hotel have been given the go-ahead.
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House has been given permission to build two spa suites in its grounds, near Bowness.
Planning documents said: “The suites would represent contemporary accommodation that is in keeping with the aspirations of the park to deliver world class architecture to visitors of the park.
“The Lakehouse Spa was awarded Building of the Year at the 2013 Northern Design Awards. The spa suites were the winner of the International Property Awards 2017. The proposed new suites are intended to continue the delivery of accommodation in the national park that is world class.”
According to plans, the revenue brought in by the additional suites would be essential in countering the extraordinary rise in inputs, staff and utilities costs, energy and rates.
The design and access statement added: “Gilpin is principally a couples and special occasion hotel. The visits and development are low intensity, low impact.
“The hotel has no desire to change this as to erode the tranquillity would simply undermine the core business.
“The need for the hotel to expand is undoubtable. Both for economics and to remain amongst the providers of accommodation that is now available in the Lake District.
“The extent of increase is not excessive and yet will secure the current requirements of the business.”
The proposed suites will take the total number of rooms at the hotel from 33 to 35. The planning application was approved by the Lake District National Park Authority on May 21.
Previously, plans for five new spa units at the hotel were approved in 2019.
