Guest house to drinking establishment at Laurel Cottage Guest House, Bowness-on-Windermere

“Application number: 7/2025/5310 Application type: Full Planning application Applicant: [the applicant], Wiltel Limited Location: Laurel Cottage Guest House, St. Martins Square, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3EF Grid reference: 340331 496849 Proposal: Change of use of part of guest house (C1) to bar/drinking establishment and associated refurbishment works Report prepared by: Chris Kempster, Planner Report agreed by: Neil Henderson, Planning Manager Recommendation: APPROVE…”

“The application relates to Laurel Cottage Guest House, a grade II listed building in the centre of Bowness on the junction between Brantfell Road and St Martins Place. The property lies within and contributes to the character of the Bowness Conservation Area. Planning permission is sought to change the use of the building into a bar/drinking establishment.”

“A separate listed building application has been submitted for the internal works (7/2025/5311). Matters relating solely to the impact on the listed building are covered in the officer’s report on that application.”

“I am reporting this application to Committee because my recommendation of approval is contrary to Windermere and Bowness Town Council’s recommendation of refusal and we have previously refused a very similar application under delegated powers.”

“The application has failed to demonstrate that it would not result in an adverse impact on the amenity of neighbours or that it would not contribute to crime and disorder and the fear of crime, which undermine quality of life and community cohesion in conflict with Policy 06 (Design and development) of the Lake District National Park Local Plan 2020-2035 and the NPPF”

“The previous application was refused largely due to the concerns expressed by Cumbria Constabulary. Between the determination of the previous application and the submission of this application, it appears that there have been productive discussions between the applicant, the licensing authority and the Constabulary. Critically it has been pointed out that the current premises is already licenced 24 hours a day.”

“The withdrawal of the police objection is partly because they are satisfied that the proposed licensee intends to operate in a responsible matter. The licensing objectives are: prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; prevention of public nuisance; protection of children from harm.”

“Windermere and Bowness Town Council – Recommend refusal.”

“Westmorland and Furness Council as the Local Highway Authority and Lead Local Flood Authority has no objection to the proposed development as it is considered that it will not have a material effect on existing highway conditions nor will it increase the flood risk on the site or elsewhere’.”

“Seven letters of support and three letters of objection have been received raising the following comments for consideration:”

“- Noise pollution created by visitors and from music from the premises causing harm to nearby residents. - Antisocial behaviour from visitors to the premises adding to the existing antisocial behaviour in the area. - Highway safety harm resulting in visitors parking on nearby streets and blocking the pavements, and from delivery lorries. - No easy access for disabled visitors to use the toilet.”

“Motion to approve the application with conditions including the addition of conditions providing limitations to the siting of tables or chairs on land to the rear (east) and side (south) and an informative about the need for listed building conssent Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] in favour of motion: Abstentions: 1”