Lake District National Park Authority Approves Conversion of Brantholme Guest House

The Lake District National Park Authority’s development control committee has given the green light to Brantholme Ambleside Ltd’s plans to transform Brantholme Guest House into six self-catering apartments. The conversion will involve creating four two-bedroom apartments, one one-bedroom apartment, and one three-bedroom apartment.

Previously, Brantholme Guest House operated as a guest house with seven double en-suite bedrooms and a three-bedroom owners’ accommodation in the basement. However, Brantholme Ambleside Ltd’s proposal to convert it into self-catering apartments attracted objections from the Lakes Parish Council.

The council expressed concern over the growing presence of holiday lets in the area, which they believe is contributing to a decline in traditional bed and breakfast establishments. They highlighted the need to maintain a balance in guest accommodation types within the Lake District.

Nevertheless, an LDNPA planning officer assured the committee that Ambleside already has a substantial amount of guest house accommodation. In addition, a design, access, and heritage statement submitted on behalf of the applicant emphasized that the proposed conversion is in line with market demand for self-catering accommodation.

The approved planning application is seen as a promising opportunity to meet the needs of visitors while also breathing new life into the existing business. The conversion is expected to update the building in a sympathetic manner and have a positive effect on the local economy.

On September 4, the approval was granted at the Murley Moss in Kendal. This decision by the Lake District National Park Authority marks an exciting development for Brantholme Guest House and its future as a provider of self-catering apartments in Ambleside.

FAQ Section:

1. What is the Lake District National Park Authority’s development control committee’s decision regarding Brantholme Guest House?
– The committee has given the green light to Brantholme Ambleside Ltd’s plans to transform Brantholme Guest House into six self-catering apartments.

2. How many apartments will be created through the conversion?
– Four two-bedroom apartments, one one-bedroom apartment, and one three-bedroom apartment will be created.

3. What were the previous operations of Brantholme Guest House?
– It operated as a guest house with seven double en-suite bedrooms and a three-bedroom owners’ accommodation in the basement.

4. Who expressed concern over the conversion plans?
– The Lakes Parish Council expressed concern over the growing presence of holiday lets in the area and the potential decline of traditional bed and breakfast establishments.

5. What did the council highlight regarding guest accommodation in the Lake District?
– The council highlighted the need to maintain a balance in guest accommodation types within the Lake District.

6. What reassurance did the LDNPA planning officer provide?
– The LDNPA planning officer assured the committee that Ambleside already has a substantial amount of guest house accommodation.

7. What did the design, access, and heritage statement emphasize?
– The statement emphasized that the proposed conversion is in line with market demand for self-catering accommodation.

Definitions:
– LDNPA: Lake District National Park Authority
– Guest house: An establishment providing accommodation, meals, and other services for travelers and tourists.

Suggested related link:
Lake District National Park Authority