A series of planning applications have been approved in 2023 which will add to the hospitality and tourism industries in south Cumbria.
Here is a lowdown of some of the planning applications that were given approval this year:
New food-hall at Sand Aire House in Kendal
PLANS to convert a grade-II listed building into a ‘modern and exciting’ food hall in Kendal have been given the green light.
Westmorland and Furness Council has approved plans from Harper Construction and Dam Good Coffee Shop to transform Sand Aire House on Stramongate into a food-hall that ‘will breathe life back into the long-neglected building’
The planning statement says: “The current climate in Kendal we feel would benefit from a fresh take on catering and how customers can experience Kendal. The vision is to create a modern and exciting venue that a wide spectrum of demographics can enjoy while still maintaining the character of the original building.”
The proposed development will have 11 kiosk units designed for food and drink vendors, a coffee bar, a gin bar, a dining area with 92 seats as well as toilet facilities. On the first floor it is proposed there will be 60 additional seats.
Regeneration of former police station in Ulverston
MULTI-MILLION pound plans to regenerate a former police station to provide homes, offices, a restaurant and ’boutique’ accommodation in jail cells have been given the go-ahead.
Members of South Lakeland local area planning committee for Westmorland and Furness Council gave the green light on Thursday (December 21) to plans from Building Design Northern (BDN) to redevelop the Old Police Station and Courthouse on Neville Street in Ulverston.
Proposals include housing commercial office space in the disused police station as well as beds in the jail cells. The superintendent’s quarters, which were demolished prior to BDN’s purchase of the site, will also house further serviced accommodation, each apartment with its own en-suite and kitchenette space.
The former courthouse will incorporate a new restaurant pavilion with a surrounding courtyard of former garages converted into commercial space that is expected to attract a range of retail businesses.
Second jetty approved at Brockhole
PLANS to add a second jetty and flood defence features at an activity centre in Windermere have been given the green light in a bid to manage the increase in popularity of the site post-pandemic.
Members of the development control committee for the Lake District National Park Authority approved the proposals for Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre on Wednesday (December 6) which aim to ‘protect the sensitive environment of this area from further damage’.
Proposals include construction of a new timber jetty for ease of access to the boats with electric charging points as well as the refurbishment and lowering of the existing jetty to improve accessibility.
Other plans include the introduction of a new flood defence feature which includes seating terraces and steps/ramps as well as the creation of management zones within the water to improve public safety.
Revamp of Market Hall and Forum in Barrow
A £17.5m scheme to transform part of Barrow’s town centre is going ahead after planning permission was secured for a key part of the project.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s Barrow area planning committee members approved a proposal related to Barrow Market Hall and The Forum in June.
The frontage of Barrow’s Market Hall, along with the neighbouring venue The Forum, will be given a new look. The council, which will deliver the project, says that this will better reflect its prominent location opposite the Grade II-listed Barrow Town Hall.
Pearsall House development
PROPOSALS to convert a vacant property into an 18-bedroom hotel in the Lake District have taken a step forward.
Members of the development control committee for the Lake District National Park on Wednesday (October 4) voted to give the green light for proposals to convert Pearsall House, on the western shore of Windermere, into an 18-bedroom hotel.
The applicant, Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, has also been granted permission to add a hipped roof and to create 24 car parking spaces for the hotel.
The proposals are now subject to a satisfactory response from United Utilities regarding drainage which the head of development management will assess and subsequently decide whether to approve.
Lanty Slee's conversion
COUNCILLORS have given the green light to a controversial retrospective planning application to convert a former church into a pub in the Lake District.
Members of the development control committee for the Lake District National Park Authority voted on Wednesday (October 4) to grant planning permission to change the Wayside Pulpit in Elterwater, subject to conditions, into a food and drink venue known as Lanty Slee’s and provide on-site staff accommodation.
A previous planning application to convert the former church was refused by the committee in November 2022 due to concerns regarding activity and use outside the building.
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