Viewing station folly at Field North of Old Bark House, Ambleside

“Until recently there was an octagonal summer house located in the garden of Summer Hill, a former guest house located higher up the hill from Old Bark house and to the east of the application site. The summerhouse was prominent and distinctive having several panes of coloured glass. The summer house has now been dismantled/demolished with six panes of coloured glass retained.”

“This application is for the erection of a new structure of much the same size, shape and appearance on agricultural land to the north of the Old Bark House, across the minor road to the south west from Summer Hill. No alterations to access, pathways, etc are proposed. The building would be set on a small stone plinth. The purpose is to be as a new ‘viewing station’.”

“Policy 02 sets out the Local Plans spatial strategy with regard to the location of new development. The site lies outside of the curtilage of Old Bark House or Summer Hill, in agricultural land. The building is not required for agricultural purposes and would not help sustain an existing business. It would not be an extension or an alteration to an existing building in the countryside.”

“The location for the proposed building would be prominent when seen looking up the hill from the minor road approaching from Hawkshead Hill, and there would be glimpsed views of it from the other minor roads in the locality. The building, located outside of the context and curtilage of an existing ‘host’ building, would appear incongruous and discordant in this otherwise undisturbed pastoral landscape setting.”

“Hawkshead Parish Council approve, commenting: The design of the structure fits in with the surrounding area. No light considerations. It is not going to affect the highways as no vehicle access is required.”

“Motion to refuse the application Proposed by [name withheld] by [name withheld] were unanimously in favour of the motion…”