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

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the dwellinghouse (use class C3) to a visitor welcome and reception hub (use class F1).”

“The change of use would take place within the shell of the existing building. The existing garden of the dwellinghouse would be opened up by the removal of permitter fencing and a new path laid to provide pedestrian access from the visitor car park to the north. Seven timber bollards with low voltage LED lights would be placed along the access path that runs around the property.”

“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.”

“Ilam Hall Cottage is an open market dwelling, and is currently tenanted. It is attached to the northernmost wing of the Hall, and sits between the Hall and the main visitor car park. The property currently has enclosed gardens to the north and east of the house. It has three bedrooms.”

“June 2020 – planning permission granted for installation of temporary visitor welcome hut for 18 months (NP/SM/0420/0311). Temporary permission has been re-issued several times, with the latest permission granted in January 2026 for a further period of 1 year (NP/SM/1225/1239).”

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

“Core Strategy policy L3 and Development Management policies DMC7 and DMC8 jointly seek to ensure that that development conserves and where appropriate enhances the significance of heritage assets. Where less than substantial harm occurs, it must be weighed against public benefits. The application is accompanied by a Planning and Heritage Assessment.”

“The scale of the groundworks is relatively small. The level of harm is therefore considered to be minor. The public benefits of improving visitor welcome at Ilam are considerable. The harm identified above needs to be mitigated by a conditioned scheme of archaeological monitoring on all groundwork. The agent has agreed to the wording of the suggested pre-commencement condition.”

“One letter of support has been received from the Youth Hostel Association. The response states that ‘the proposals would provide a level access for guests, reducing operation risk and assisting those less mobile to use the Changing Places toilet facilities and ground floor bedrooms. It would also provide office space to enhance the working relationship between our organisations.”

“Visitor management and the sustainability of the site would benefit from the National Trust’s proposals.”

“The Planning Officer presented the report and outlined the reasons for approval as detailed in the report.”

“A motion to approve the application with an extra condition to those set out below requesting removal of the fence before the accommodation is first brought into use, was moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.”

“The close boarded timber fence that runs along the northern boundary of the site shall be completely removed before the visitor reception hub hereby approved is first brought into use.”