The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has rejected a planning application from Bowness Bay Investments Ltd that sought to convert part of the grade II listed Laurel Cottage guest house into a bar. The LDNPA ruled that the proposal failed to demonstrate how the venue would not contribute to crime and disorder.
The proposed bar aimed to offer a unique and traditional experience compared to other nearby establishments. The ground floor of the listed building was intended to be transformed into a bar and seating area, with additional seating and toilets on the first floor.
However, the LDNPA decision notice stated that the application did not provide sufficient evidence that the bar would not negatively impact the neighbors’ quality of life, contribute to crime and disorder, or create fear within the community.
Cumbria Constabulary, in their representation to the LDNPA, highlighted the strain that licensed premises in Bowness have put on local policing resources. Over the past decade, the influx of bars and licensed establishments in the area coincided with a significant rise in anti-social behavior and violent crime. The police force reported dealing with 268 violent crime and public order offenses in 2021, which had further increased to 334 by 2023. Disturbingly, a considerable portion of these incidents occurred within Bowness’ licensed premises or involved individuals who had recently patronized them.
The Windermere and Bowness Town Council supported the refusal, citing the excessive number of bars in the area leading to frequent anti-social behavior. However, they acknowledged the thoughtful design of the planned restoration, which aimed to preserve the historic building that dates back to the 17th or 18th century.
The applicant had also proposed external maintenance and refurbishment of the building, emphasizing the opportunity to provide public access to the listed structure and interpret its history for a wider audience. Nevertheless, the LDNPA ultimately concluded that the application did not meet the criteria and rejected it on October 16.
While the decision prevents the conversion of Laurel Cottage into a bar, it highlights the importance of balancing the preservation of historic buildings with the concerns of community safety and cohesion. Future proposals for the site may need to address the crime-related apprehensions raised by the authorities for a successful outcome.
FAQ Section:
1. Why was the planning application to convert Laurel Cottage into a bar rejected?
– The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) rejected the application because it failed to demonstrate how the bar would not contribute to crime and disorder and negatively impact the neighbors’ quality of life.
2. What was the aim of the proposed bar?
– The proposed bar aimed to offer a unique and traditional experience compared to other nearby establishments.
3. What were the concerns raised by Cumbria Constabulary?
– Cumbria Constabulary highlighted the strain on local policing resources caused by licensed premises in Bowness. They reported a significant rise in anti-social behavior and violent crime associated with the influx of bars and licensed establishments in the area.
4. What was the position of the Windermere and Bowness Town Council?
– The town council supported the rejection of the planning application, citing the excessive number of bars in the area leading to frequent anti-social behavior. However, they acknowledged the thoughtful design of the planned restoration.
5. Did the applicant propose any other plans for the building?
– Yes, the applicant also proposed external maintenance and refurbishment of the building, with the aim of providing public access to the listed structure and interpreting its history for a wider audience.
6. What was the final decision of the LDNPA?
– The LDNPA ultimately concluded that the planning application did not meet the criteria and rejected it on October 16.
Definitions:
– LDNPA: Abbreviation for Lake District National Park Authority.
– Grade II listed: Refers to a building that is of special historical or architectural interest and has legal protection in the United Kingdom.
– Anti-social behavior: Refers to behavior that is disruptive, harmful, or offensive to others in the community.
– Public order offenses: Refers to crimes that involve disturbance of public order, such as rioting, disorderly behavior, or public nuisance.
Suggested Related Links:
Lake District National Park Authority
Cumbria Constabulary
Windermere and Bowness Town Council