Plans to build 20 holiday lodges on farming land in Windermere have been refused. 

Low Moor Howe Farm Ltd submitted proposals to the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) in February of this year to build on land at Rosthwaite Farm.

The land is around 690 hectares and is used to farm sheep and cattle, as well as selling shooting rights and forestry.

The farming company stated that the plans, 2km south of Bowness, were 'to secure the long-term future of the business' and were part of a 'tourism diversification project'.

A 'Need Appraisal' was submitted with the application citing 'unsustainable financial difficulties' and 'substantial annual losses, which have in some recent years exceeded £200,000.'

The company withdrew two previous similar bids after concerns were raised by LDNPA over access and visual impact on the surrounding areas. 

Cartmel Parish Council submitted a letter of objection in March which included: "citing business 'losses' as necessitating the need for a significant development proposal is not considered to be a clear-cut or defining factor in arriving at a planning decision."

The Parish Council's main concern however was that the plans were 'in a sensitive, undeveloped site, in an area which is afforded the highest levels of protection for its landscape and scenic beauty and which is also recognised as being of international importance.'

The lead Local Flood Authority also recommended that the plans be refused as they did not take into account the watercourse which runs through the northern part of the site.

Almost 50 residents submitted letters which were a mixture of support for the farming business whilst others cited negative impacts on the environment. 

In its refusal report, the head of development management said the lodges would 'adversely affect the character and appearance of this largely undeveloped open countryside location.'

The report said it would cause harm to the Outstanding Universal Value of the English Lake District World Heritage Site including its 'diverse landscape and cultural heritage'.

It was ultimately decided that 'the benefits to the farm business are insufficient to outweigh that harm'.