Five illuminated hotel signs at Wordsworth Hotel, Grasmere, Ambleside

“Report from the Head of Development Management to Development Control Committee ________________________________________________________________ Application number: 7/2026/5200 Application type: Advertisement Consent Application Applicant: [the applicant], The Inn Collection Group Location: Wordsworth Hotel, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9SW Grid reference: 333793, 507485 Proposal: Display of 5 signs: 1 externally illuminated-mounted fascia sign (Sign 1), 2 x single-sided…”

“This application proposes the installation of five signs and associated lighting at Wordsworth House Hotel in Grasmere. The hotel is located in the centre of Grasmere village to the east of Church Stile and is currently undergoing works associated with previously granted permission 7/2020/5149.”

“The site is within Grasmere Village Conservation Area and whilst the building is not listed, it is identified in the management plan as a Significant Unlisted building which makes a positive contribution to the character or appearance of the conservation area.”

“This application originally sought advertisement consent for seven signs but was amended following discussions with officers, reducing the number of proposed signs to five, and reducing the brightness of proposed illumination.”

“Lakes Parish Council originally objected and recommended refusal of the proposal based on the cumulative visual impact and adverse effect on the area’s dark skies and special qualities.”

“Grasmere Village Society made an objection based on ‘disproportionate scale and visual clutter’; ‘erosion of conservation area character’; ‘impact on dark skies and nighttime amenity’; and ‘policy conflict’.”

“The proposed signage would be plain black with vinyl-applicated design and wording. The signs are considered to be of an acceptable scale, with most replacing existing signs in terms of location and size. Approval would lead to a reduction in the number of signs and the cluttering of signs, as compared to the previous signs across the building.”

“Lake District National Park Authority Development Control Committee – 5 August 2026 7/2026/5200 Good Lighting Technical Advice Note and would introduce a low level of additional lighting to the front elevation.”

“I am recommending standard conditions in respect of advertisements as well as a standard plans condition. I am also recommending a condition requiring the lighting units to be angled in the interests of highway safety.”

“The trough lighting shall be installed facing towards the signage so that no direct rays of light from the source of illumination shall be visible to drivers of vehicles using the highway, and shall be maintained in that respect…”

“Motion to approve the application with conditions with an additional condition that the signs specified for removal in the application be removed. Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] were unanimously in favour of the motion…”