Spa membership increase at Underscar Manor, Applethwaite, Keswick

“The condition outlined that the leisure facilities should remain ancillary and shall not be used other than by residents of the development, hotel and bona fide members of the leisure club. The leisure club membership was restricted to 100 members. The reasons given were that an unrestricted use would be detrimental to highway safety and the amenities of nearby residents.”

“Planning permission is now sought to vary the condition to allow for an increase in membership numbers from 125 to 150. The application is before committee because the recommendation of approval is contrary to the views of the Parish Council.”

“In 1984 a timeshare complex, which includes a large number of holiday units was approved within the former walled gardens and a spa which adjoins Underscar Manor. The original use of the manor was as a private dwelling and then as a hotel from 1990. In 2010 planning permission was granted for the change of use of the hotel back to a dwelling (ref: 7/2016/2103 & 7/2016/2104).”

“This application relates to Oxleys Health and Leisure Spa which forms part of the Underscar timeshare complex. The original planning approval was subject to conditions, one of which restricted the number of people who could use the Health and Leisure Spa (ref: 7/2000/2059).”

“The first main reason given was that an unrestricted use would have a detrimental impact on highway safety. The site is accessed by a steep road leading from Applethwaite that serves the small number of dwellings situated along its length. The Local Highway Authority have been consulted and have raised no objections, concluding that the additional 25 members would not have an adverse impact on local highway conditions.”

“Though membership numbers have been increased previously the additional 25 members remain small scale in the context of the activity taking place across the site and would not in my view result in a significant adverse impact on the highway having regard to the response of the Local Highway Authority and as such is considered acceptable.”

“The health and leisure club exists and serves the users of the timeshare complex and a list of 125 members. A condition is in place to manage the use of the facility, the reason for which is that an unrestricted use would be detrimental to highway safety and the amenities of adjoining residents…”

“The sole assessment therefore is whether the additional 25 members sought would have an acceptable impact on local highway conditions and the amenity of the neighbouring dwellings.”

“Underskiddaw Parish Council: Object – An increase in the number of members would have an impact on highway safety and the amenities of adjoining residents.”

“Lake District National Park Authority Development Control Committee – 1 October 2025 7/2025/2128 local highway or its users. The LHA and LLFA have no objections to the variation of the condition.”

“Lake District National Park Authority Page 3 Motion to approve the application with conditions Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] in favour of motion: Members against the motion: 1”