Visitor welcome hub at Ilam Hall Cottage, Ilam Moor Lane, Ilam

“Listed building consent is sought for works in association with the change of use of the dwellinghouse (use class C3) to a visitor welcome and reception hub (use class F1).”

“Minor alterations to the listed building are proposed including fire upgrading of internal doors, the laying of new vinyl flooring, new smoke detectors, alterations for the provision of wireless data and a new external light.”

“Ilam Hall and Ilam Hall Cottage (also known as Gardeners Cottage) are grade ll* listed buildings located close to the southern boundary of the National Park.”

“The site is owned a managed by the National Trust (although the Hall itself is let to the Youth Hostel Association) and is a significant tourist attraction in this part of the National Park.”

“February 2025 – pre-application advice sought with regard to proposals for an interlinked masterplan for Ilan Hall and Dovedale (including proposals for a visitor reception hub) – Enq ref 51266.”

“March 1987 – listed building consent granted for alterations of listed building at Ilan Hall Cottage (NP/SM/0187/002).”

“Highway Authority: no objections. The site is remote from the highway and will have no impact on the highway.”

“Authority’s Conservation Officer: ‘The proposals seek to adapt the building to enable its use as a welcome visitor and reception hub. On balance, the works are considered to be acceptable and enable the conversion without any significant intervention to historic fabric.”

“Parish Council: strongly objects. ‘At a time when our community is experiencing a significant shortage of homes available for both rent and purchase, the loss of a residential dwelling to a commercial or visitor-focused use would further exacerbate an already acute housing issue. Residential properties are essential for supporting local families, key workers, and the long-term sustainability of our community.”

“The removal of a home from the local housing stock for non-residential purposes is, in our view, unacceptable. While there is a shared desire to protect our area from inappropriate development, this proposal represents a permanent loss of a residential property and cannot be overlooked. The cumulative impact of such changes poses a serious risk to the balance and vitality of rural communities.”

“Item 7 was presented and discussed at the same time as Item 6 but the votes were taken separately with the vote for Item 6 being taken first. See minute number 30/26 for details of the discussion.”

“A motion to approve the application with the conditions outlined below was proposed and seconded, put to the vote and carried.”

“That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“Bathroom door at ground floor to be retained and repaired unless otherwise approved in writing by the National Park Authority.”