THE co-founder of a new Lake District visitor attraction has expressed his shock after his retrospective change of use application for the former derelict chapel that houses the business was knocked back.

Joe Nichols, who opened Lanty Slee distillery and visitor centre in the Langdale Valley this summer, saw his application refused by the Lake District's development control committee, going against a planning officer's recommendation for approval.

Joe opened Lanty Slee in homage to the iconic Lake District moonshine distiller and outlaw Lanty Slee, and applied to be able to serve food and alcohol in the Wayside Pulpit building in Elterwater.

"We have applied for permission to sell food and alcohol, but we're not a bar, and have no standing space" said Joe.

READ MORE:Decision made on plan to turn former church into eatery and bar

"We're reluctant to be pigeon-holed, because we see ourselves as a visitor attraction - a curation of the history of Langdale. 

"We're not looking to have outside music and raucous entertainment - we serve breakfasts until midday, and tapas through the afternoon, alongside the fine spirit we create ourselves."

Members of the committee expressed concerns over lighting, disabled access, outside noise and the colour of umbrellas - issues that Joe said could have been addressed by imposing conditions on an approval, rather than refusal.

"Our application was actually due to be decided on August 8, but took until October to have a planning officer allocated, but we opened on August 27 as we had no idea how delayed the planners would be, due to the volume of work they have, so this is why the application was retrospective."

"We were surprised at the level of concern about people sitting outside, when we have no residential neighbours, because a scheme has just been approved at Wainwrights pub in Chapel Stile, for infra-red heaters and lighting to heat the air to allow guests to stay outside longer.

"That said, we appreciate the concerns, so we are looking into ways we can address these concerns.

Joe said that he is re-applying next week:

"We have every local business ready to submit letters of support - it's been emotional to see the outpouring of love.

READ MORE: Notorious moonshine smuggler to be reborn with distillery and visitor centre

"I have two young children and a wife, and we have invested everything we have, and along with the job losses, it will create a financially irrecoverable position for my family.

"If it is refused, we are ready to appeal and ultimately go to judicial review, which will cost us around £25,000.

"I'm saddened by it because I arrived in the Lake District 15 years ago and worked my way up in hospitality.

"If you don't have millions of pounds, it seems you can't open a business in the Lake District."