Plans to build a house on the Windermere lakeshore have been given the go-ahead after over 400 trees were planted on the site.
Members of the development control committee for the Lake District National Park Authority have approved a planning application from Mr and Mrs Brady to demolish Bryers Cottage on the western shore of Windermere and construct a replacement family home.
They said Storm Arwen in 2021 caused extensive damage to trees in the application site and the nearby area.
The area was later cleared of storm damaged trees, large boulders and rubble.
Objectors to the proposed development labelled the felling of the trees as environmental vandalism and warned approval of the scheme would set a serious precedent.
A restocking notice issued by the Forestry Commission in February 2024 to plant 242 trees has been complied with by the applicants, planning documents state.
Mr Brady told the development control committee that the applicants have planted around 440 trees on the site.
Plans said the applicants currently lived in the Lake District and bought the lakeshore property from a family member in 2023.
According to plans the existing property was small and the proposed replacement house would have around double the footprint of the cottage.
The application added: “The replacement dwelling will be lived in full-time by a local family who will contribute to the locality socially and economically.
“There is huge benefit to the proposals as the site will once again be presented as a well maintained and attractive example of local vernacular architecture set within an attractive landscaped setting.”
Windermere and Bowness Town Council and Claife Parish Council objected to the proposals in a planning consultation.
Windermere and Bowness Town Council said: “The introduction of a large-scale house with dominant balconies fronting the south elevation will be highly visible particularly because it will not be obscured by the mature woodland that previously existed.”
However, a report by an LDNPA said although the benefits of the landscaping scheme and woodland restocking would take time to establish, it was satisfied the proposals would conserve and enhance the character of the area.
