A luxury Lake District hotel has been told it is allowed to build new suites in its grounds by a Government inspector.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa in Windermere’s bid for the four detached suites in its grounds were thrown out earlier this year by the Lake District National Park Authority.
The authority said the development failed to reflect the local character and would result in harm to the visual amenity of residents and visitors and the special qualities of the national park.
Lakes Parish Council also objected to the plans. It said: “The units will have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the footpath as it will change the feel and experience from walking in woodland to the introduction of visitors which brings with it extra noise, disturbances, light pollution and negative impact on the local wildlife.
“This proposal doesn’t conserve or enhance this location. We feel that it is an inappropriate level of use to the location and doesn’t relate well to the main hotel.”
But English Lakes Hotels, which owns the venue, appealed the national park authority’s decision.
A planning inspector, who visited the site, said the suites would not represent incongruous development and said planning permission was granted.
The report from the Planning Inspectorate said: “The introduction of four suites would change the character of the site which is currently free from built development. Nevertheless, change does not always equate to harm.”
Although the suites would extend into an area of the hotel grounds that is currently free from built development, in my judgement they would have a visual relationship with the existing hotel development.
“The suites would be in proximity to the sizeable storage/service building to the west and the small building that houses the hydroelectric plant to the south.
“Additionally, the appellant has highlighted that planning permission exists for the creation of a multi-sports pitch and changing facility near to the northerly two suites. This would provide a further visual and spatial link between the development and the wider hotel complex.
“The proposal would provide additional visitor choice in terms of accommodation, supporting the tourism industry. The proposal would therefore help to further the national park purposes.”
Conditions have been attached to the approval. A nearby medieval village may, if it exists, extend into or near the site, the inspector said.
The inspector added: “Given the potential for features of archaeological interest, a condition requiring a written scheme of investigation is necessary.
“A condition requiring tree protection details during the construction phase is necessary to minimise the risk of damage to nearby trees.”
