Flexible dwelling or holiday let at Eastward Farm, Bampton, Penrith

“This application seeks planning permission to allow a flexible use of the building as either a dwellinghouse (use class C3) or as holiday letting accommodation.”

“Eastward is a Grade II* listed farmstead comprising a five-bedroom farmhouse, with two large attached barns, detached modern garages and a privy/store. The site is located on the western slopes of the Lowther Valley, on the border of the high fell fringe. The farm occupies an elevated position with the topography descending steadily towards Haweswater Beck on the east side and ascending on its western side to the high fells.”

“Lake District National Park Authority Development Control Committee – 5 August 2026 7/2026/3049 2.4 Planning permission and listed building consent has been approved in 2022 for the conversion of the two large barns to ancillary accommodation, the redevelopment of the sheep-dip area, the construction of a swimming pool building in place of the two modern garages together with a new glazed link which would connect the farmhouse to the south barn.”

“Bampton Parish Council – Strongly object to this application and strongly recommend refusal. The access road to the property is only a single track with high banks and minimal passing places. With the dwellinghouse changing to a dual use as letting accommodation the traffic on the access road, which now supports four properties with one working farm, will increase and cause frustration and danger to walkers and drivers using it.”

“The property is a traditional Lakeland farmstead dwellinghouse. The Council would also question the integrity and transparency of the application. When the applicant approached the council and attended the Parish Council meeting the Council were informed the plans and renovations were for personal/family use only. It appears this was clearly not the ultimate intention.”

“Motion to approve the application with an additional condition that the property can only be used as a single unit of holiday accommodation. Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] were unanimously in favour of the motion…”