AN APPLICATION to set up a house of multiple occupation in a Lake District village has been given the green light. 

Lakeland House in Tilberthwaite Avenue, Coniston, is to house 12 people and serve as staff accommodation for the nearby Coniston Inn. 

The plan, submitted by The Inn Collection Group, to change the use of the building from a guesthouse and café was voted through unanimously by a meeting of the Lake District National Park Authority's (LDNPA's) development control committee.

Neil Henderson, LDNPA area planner, said there were 'significant problems' with providing staff accommodation in the Lake District amid rising house prices.

"Wages probably haven’t kept up with that rise,” he said.

The application was subject to an objection from Coniston Parish Council. 

"The café area to the front of the building opposite the village’s main car park and village green, which had been open to view from the street, is now clearly a mess inside," said Michael Dearnley, clerk to the parish council, in a representation published online.

READ MORE: Permission sought for staff accommodation for Lakes inn

"The visual impact of the state in which this room is being left has caused complaints and negative comments from both residents and visitors alike."

Vicky Hughes, development control committee member, suggested at the meeting that the parish council could put pressure on The Inn Collection Group to ensure the appearance of Lakeland House was maintained.

Mr Henderson said: “I would hope that part of their responsibilities would be to maintain good relationships with the local community and to make sure that the properties are managed in an appropriate way."

Committee member Hugh Branney asked Mr Henderson about Coniston Parish Council's claim that the change of use being sought was retrospective.

Mr Henderson said: "They [the applicant] say they're just currently using guest accommodation as previously basically, so there’s an existing use, but they’re not advertising it extensively as they would have done previously.

“I think it’s fair to say that the café use has ceased and that is not currently operating.”

Committee member Paul Turner said: "As Neil’s already pointed out, there is a massive shortage of staff accommodation.

"One loss is someone else’s gain."

Ms Hughes said: "We desperately need people staying in the area, working in the area.”