Plans to convert a former Lake District cafe into a restaurant should be thrown out, says the local parish council.
It fears the proposal for a barn at Grove Farm in Ambleside would endanger walkers and disrupt the quiet enjoyment of the area.
Grove Farm Partnerships submitted a notice of intention to the Lake District National Park Authority in May to reuse the barn previously used as a walkers’ café/shop as a restaurant.
It has sought to enter into a partnership with local fine dining restaurateur Ryan Blackburn.
Mr Blackburn owns and runs the Michelin starred The Old Stamp House in Ambleside with business partners and family.
However, Lakes Parish Council has recommended the LDNPA refuse the proposals due to concerns over the impact on traffic on Stockghyll Lane.
The parish council said: “The development would result in an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the area due to increased traffic on the narrow road leading to the site.
“This road is primarily used by walkers, including large groups with children and dogs, making it unsafe to invite more vehicular traffic. The increased traffic would not only endanger walkers but also disrupt the quiet enjoyment of the area for both residents and visitors.”
However, the applicant’s agent said in a letter it was vital for the applicant that Stockghyll Lane remained a safe and attractive place for walkers.
The letter said there would only be five parking spaces for customers which must be pre-booked and there will be a shuttle service to carry customers to and from the restaurant.
It added staff would be encouraged to car-share and there will be four parking spaces available for those working at the restaurant. Two new additional passing spaces would also be added to the lane.
Grove Farm Partnerships said: “The intention is to work with Ryan and family to bring a fine dining experience to the barn at Grove Farm showcasing local ingredients and Cumbrian cuisine against the backdrop of the Stockghyll valley landscape.
“The restaurant will utilise the existing barn in its current layout and will operate as an extension and compliment to the existing business in Ambleside.”
It added the previous use of the barn as a café proved unsustainable as a business despite significant investment, commitment from the team’s on-site manager and a good deal of local support.
It added: “Further to the closure of the walkers café/shop and restaurant, it is essential for the applicant’s tourism business that the site is brought into an alternative and suitable operation to serve its tourism business.
“Not only is it essential for the applicant’s business but to the future of the barn which has been restored at a significant cost to the business.”
This application is under consideration by the Lake District National Park Authority.
