Controversial plans to convert a Lake District guest house into a bar have been thrown out.
Bowness Bay Investments Ltd wanted to convert part of the Grade II listed Laurel Cottage guest house on St Martin’s Square in Bowness into a bar.
The proposal attracted a large amount of criticism, with Windermere and Bowness Town Council saying it was a ‘bar too far’ for the area.
The Lake District National Park Authority refused the planning application because they said the proposals failed to demonstrate that the venue would not contribute to crime and disorder.
According to plans, the proposed bar would have offered something different to other nearby bars, with a more traditional feel.
The ground floor of the listed building was set to be converted into a bar and seating area with the first floor containing additional seating space and toilets.
The national park authority said: “The application has failed to demonstrate that it would not result in an adverse impact on the amenity of neighbours or that it would not contribute to crime and disorder and the fear of crime, which undermine quality of life and community cohesion.”
Cumbria Constabulary identified that licensed premises in Bowness were placing a significant strain on local policing resources.
Police told Lake District National Park planners: “In the last five to 10 years this small town has seen significant fast growth in the number of licensed premises in the form of bars and other licensed premises.
“Not by coincidence there has been a significant increase in the amount of anti-social behaviour reports and violent crime. In 2021 the small number of Police
“Officers at Windermere Police Station dealt with 268 violent crime and public order offences.
“By 2023 this had grown to 334 and analysis of data has demonstrated that a high proportion of these violent assaults and public order offences have occurred within the licensed premises of Bowness or related to persons who had been patrons immediately before.
“This is placing huge strain on limited local policing resources who are dealing with an ever-increasing demand.”
Windermere and Bowness Town Council said there were too many bars in Bowness, which results in frequent anti-social behaviour.
However, the town council added the proposed restoration of the historic building was a sympathetic and well thought-out design.
The building dates back to the 17th or 18th century and was once a school.
Bowness Investments Ltd said: “The proposed establishment will be located within a vibrant and thriving part of Bowness centre/tourist area and will complement existing local businesses including shops, hotels/guest houses, café/restaurants, bars and pubs in the immediate locality.
“The offering proposed will be different to other existing bars in the locality with a more ‘traditional’ feel serving local and craft beers.”
