Plans to regenerate an empty Lake District hotel have been given the go-ahead.
The Lake District National Park Authority has approved proposals from Cradel Haus to convert the Grey Walls Hotel on Elleray Road in Windermere into a 17-bedroom aparthotel.
According to planning documents the business was deemed unviable in 2020 because of challenges in the hospitality industry such as staffing and running costs.
Plans add the building has stood empty for nearly five years with many attempts to regenerate the site halted on viability grounds.
Plans said: “The aim of the project is to regenerate a property that has been empty for approaching five years and deliver a high-quality business that will attract tourism to the area.”
Visitors to the proposed aparthotel will self check-in using digital guest books and benefit from instant messaging, AI and smart appliances.
The proposed development involved little change to the building fabric but would modify modern additions that detracted from the character of the site.
Plans concluded: “In summary, there is a range of businesses in the local area, ranging from bed and breakfasts, guesthouse uses, through Inns to large hotel.
“This development simply seeks to diversity the nature of accommodation available to ensure that the market affords tourists with the range of opportunities necessary to ensure Windermere remains competitive.
“The building also hasn’t been operating as a coaching inn for over half a decade, despite several attempts. Consequently, the loss of this property would not result in a shortage of coaching inns and short term lets are deemed the optimal viable use.”
In a planning consultation Windermere and Bowness Town council said the proposed development would result in an improvement to the existing streetscape.
Its response added: “However, we have concerns that ten parking spaces will be inadequate for the proposed 17 letting units and the expectation that many guests will arrive by public transport is optimistic.
“Should the planners be minded to approve this application we would ask that conditions to address these concerns be included.”
Planning documents submitted by the applicant said the site provides on-site parking and it is not anticipated that transportation would cause any issues.
