A PARISH council has opposed plans to convert a former café into a restaurant in the Lake District due to concerns it would ‘endanger walkers’ and ‘disrupt the quiet enjoyment of the area’.

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

Located at Grove Farm off Stockghyll Lane in Ambleside, the applicant has sought to enter into a partnership with local fine dining restaurateur Ryan Blackburn.

Mr Blackburn owns and runs Michelin Star Restaurant The Old Stamp House in Ambleside with his business partners and family.

However, Lakes Parish Council has recommended the LDNPA refuse the proposals due to concerns over the impact on traffic on Stockghyll Lane.

The parish council state: “The development would result in an unacceptable impact on the amenity of the area due to increased traffic on the narrow road (Stockghyll Lane) leading to the site.

“This road is primarily used by walkers, including large groups with children and dogs, making it unsafe to invite more vehicular traffic. The increased traffic would not only endanger walkers but also disrupt the quiet enjoyment of the area for both residents and visitors.”

In response, the applicant’s agent states in a letter it is ‘vital’ for the applicant that Stockghyll Lane remains ‘a safe and attractive place for walkers’.

The letter says there will only be five parking spaces for customers which must be pre-booked and there will be a shuttle service to carry customers to and from the restaurant.

It adds staff will be encouraged to car-share and there will be four parking spaces available for those working at the restaurant. Two new additional  passing spaces will also be added to the lane.

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.”

This application is under consideration.