A RETROSPECTIVE change-of-use application for a former hotel and restaurant that has been converted into holiday let accommodation is to be considered by Barrow Borough Council's planning committee. 

The planning submission for Valley View at Dalton has been recommended for approval by case officer Barry Jesson.

The property, formerly known as Clarence House, is operating as a nine-bedroom holiday let 'intended for a large group of people, rather than the separate hotel rooms for smaller groups'.

The change of use occurred in June 2021. 

Mr Jesson says one objection to the application has been received from a member of the public. 

Confusion over the ownership of waste bins and the potential for noise disturbance were among the concerns raised.

READ MORE: Former hotel now operating as holiday let applies for retrospective planning permission

"In certain instances, some visitors who are unfamiliar with the property have ventured into neighbouring garden areas which has caused some privacy concern, and also sometimes mistaken neighbours' bins as belonging to the holiday accommodation," says Mr Jesson in a report produced ahead of a meeting of the borough council's planning committee on Tuesday.

Mr Jesson says discussions were held with the agent – Dan Ratcliffe, of chartered town planning and development consultancy JWPC – acting on behalf of applicant Mrs Barber-Bolam.

"In addition to the owner meeting the groups to welcome and provide a tour, an information booklet for new arrivals is also available," says Mr Jesson.

"This has been amended with suggestions from [borough council] officers to increase awareness of the property limits, better identify and ensure adequate provision of the property's waste facilities, and to remind occupants to minimise noise outside and within the car park, particularly late at night."

The information pack, he says, could form the basis of a condition 'that essentially requires the premises to operate within those terms to provide a degree of control'.

"There of course remains further recourse under separate legislation should litter or noise become a statutory nuisance," he says.

He describes the holiday let use as 'much more low-key' than the former use as a hotel and restaurant. 

"In many respects, noise levels will be reduced considerably," he says.