A GOVERNMENT inspector has turned down plans for over 20 lodges on a farm in the Lake District as the proposals would cause ‘harm’ to the character of the area.

The Planning Inspectorate has dismissed an appeal by Low Moor Howe Farm Ltd for the siting of 21 lodges on land to the north of Rosthwaite Farm near Windermere as part of a farm diversification scheme following a hearing.

In a planning statement, the applicants say the current business is making a loss and the diversification scheme is necessary to ensure the long-term future of the farming business.

The proposed development consists of 20 lodges to be used as holiday accommodation and one lodge to be used as a reception.

However, a report issued by the Planning Inspectorate concludes the effects of the proposed development would be ‘unacceptable’.

The report states: “My findings indicate that the appeal scheme would harm the character and appearance of the area.

“It would conflict with the purposes of the National Park’s designation, fail to conserve the significance of the World Heritage Site, fail to conserve the important role played by the site within the setting of the Registered Park, and fail to preserve the setting of the listed building.”

This comes after the development control committee for the LDNPA refused the application in February 2023 due to concerns the proposed lodges would ‘adversely affect’ the character and appearance of this ‘largely undeveloped open countryside location’.

The decision notice also states the proposed access road would increase surface water flood risk and would ‘adversely’ impact the public right of way system by generating increased traffic on the footpath amongst other reasons.

In appeal documents, the farm says public views towards the proposed timber lodges are also localised and would not result in a ‘highly conspicuous or visually congruous development’.

The appellant adds any ‘minor adverse effect’ on users of the public right of way system will be ‘significantly outweighed’ by the benefits of the proposal and say the proposed access road will not increase surface water risk.

The planning statement adds the proposed development would generate additional employment opportunities with it anticipated that five employees would be required.

This appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate on July 12.