A PLANNING application to convert a former café into a restaurant in the Lake District has been dropped.

Grove Farm Partnerships has withdrawn a notice of intention application to the Lake District National Park Authority to re-use a barn previously used as a walkers’ café / shop as a restaurant.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 had 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 with his business partners and family.

A cover letter submitted by the applicant stated: “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.

READ MORE: Lake District: Plans for restaurant at former café in Ambleside

“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 said 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.

READ MORE: Grove Barn in Ambleside, Lake District, closes

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.”

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

READ MORE: Lake District: Ambleside restaurant plans opposed by parish council

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 stated in a letter it was ‘vital’ for the applicant that Stockghyll Lane remained ‘a safe and attractive place for walkers’.

The letter said there would 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.

The plans were withdrawn on August 12.