PLANS to convert a guest house in Bowness into a bar have been turned down.

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) refused a planning application from Bowness Bay Investments Ltd to convert part of the grade II listed Laurel Cottage guest house on St Martins Square into a bar.

Planners ruled the proposals ‘failed to demonstrate’ that the venue would not contribute to crime and disorder.

According to plans, the proposed bar would have offered something ‘different’ to other nearby bars, with a more ‘traditional’ feel.

The ground floor of the listed building was proposed to be converted into a bar and seating area with the first floor containing additional seating space and toilets.

However, a decision notice issued by the LDNPA says: “The application has failed to demonstrate that it would not result in an adverse impact on the amenity of neighbours or that it would not contribute to crime and disorder and the fear of crime, which undermine quality of life and community cohesion.”

The notice said a representation from Cumbria Constabulary identified that licensed premises in Bowness are placing a ‘significant strain’ on local policing resources.

In response to the plans, Cumbria Constabulary told Lake District National Park planners: “In the last 5-10 years this small town has seen significant fast growth in the number of licensed premises in the form of bars and other licensed premises.

“Not by coincidence there has been a significant increase in the amount of anti-social behaviour reports and violent crime. In 2021 the small number of Police Officers at Windermere Police Station dealt with 268 violent crime and public order offences.

“By 2023 this had grown to 334 and analysis of data has demonstrated that a high proportion of these violent assaults and public order offences have occurred within the licensed premises of Bowness or related to persons who had been patrons immediately before.

“This is placing huge strain on limited local policing resources who are dealing with an ever-increasing demand.”

Windermere and Bowness Town Council also said there are ‘too many bars’ in Bowness, which results in ‘frequent anti-social behaviour’.

However, the town council added the proposed restoration of the historic building was a ‘sympathetic and well thought-out’ design.

According to a heritage statement submitted with the plans, the building dates back to the 17th or 18th century and was once a school.

The statement added the building was currently ‘not in use’ and is in need of investment to secure its ‘future preservation’.

Planning documents say: “The proposed establishment will be located within a vibrant and thriving part of Bowness centre/tourist area and will complement existing local businesses including shops, hotels/guest houses, café/restaurants, bars and pubs in the immediate locality.

“The offering proposed will be different to other existing bars in the locality with a more ‘traditional’ feel serving local and craft beers.”

The applicant also proposed undertaking external maintenance and refurbishment of the building.

The heritage statement concludes: “Taken as a whole, the proposal is an opportunity to provide more public access to the listed building, and to interpret its history to a wider audience. The proposal will enhance the character and appearance of Bowness Conservation Area.”

The planning application was refused on October 16 by the LDNPA.