PLANS have been lodged to convert a former café into a restaurant in the Lake District.

Grove Farm Partnerships has submitted a notice of intention application to the Lake District National Park Authority to re-use a barn previously used as a walkers’ café / shop as a restaurant.

Located at Grove Farm off Stockghyll Lane in Ambleside, according to planning documents the applicant has sought to enter into a partnership with local fine dining restaurateur Ryan Blackburn who owns and runs Michelin Star Restaurant The Old Stamp House as well as Kysty in Ambleside with his business partners and family.

A cover letter submitted by the applicant states: “The intention of the Grove Barn Partnership is to work with Ryan and family to bring a fine dining experience to the Barn at Grove Farm showcasing local ingredients and Cumbrian cuisine against the backdrop of the Stockghyll valley landscape.

“The restaurant will utilise the existing barn in its current layout and will operate as an extension and compliment to the existing business in Ambleside.”

Planning documents say the previous use of the barn as a café proved ‘unsustainable’ as a business despite ‘significant investment’ from the applicant, ‘commitment’ from the team’s on-site manager and a ‘good deal’ of local support.

The cover letter adds: “Further to the closure of the walkers café / shop and restaurant, it is essential for the applicant’s tourism business that the site is brought into an alternative and suitable operation to serve its tourism business.

“Not only is it essential for the applicant’s business but to the future of the barn which has been restored at a significant cost to the business.”