A HOTEL group has been ordered to remove ‘bland’ windows from a Lake District property as they are ‘harmful’ to the ‘historic character’ of the building.

The planning inspectorate has turned down an appeal by the Inn Collection Group against an enforcement notice issued by the Lake District National Park Authority to replace a number of window frames on the property at Oakbank House on Helm Road in Bowness.

According to the inspector’s report, the hotel group is required to remove the existing double glazed UPVC window frames from the property and replace them with timber framed windows within eight months.

The report labelled the double-glazed windows as ‘bland’ with ‘bulky frames’ that fail to respect the ‘historical character’ of the building.

It added: “Overall, they lack the architectural finesse, historic character, and high-quality craftsmanship that was evident in the previous windows.

The windows in 2018The windows in 2018 (Image: Google Maps)

“I have found the development to be harmful to the architectural integrity of the host building and, in doing so, it fails to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Bowness Conservation Area”, the report concludes.

Oakbank House provides additional accommodation for the Angel Inn, which is located opposite the property.

The LDNPA first contacted the Inn Collection Group after complaints were made regarding work to Oakbank House in May 2021.

A retrospective planning application from the group was refused in April 2022 before an enforcement notice was served in September 2023. An appeal was lodged by the group in December 2023.

A report submitted on behalf of the Inn Collection Group said the windows were installed as part of a ‘redevelopment programme’ that represented ‘significant investment’ in the local economy.

The report adds: “The replacement windows have resulted in significant improvements to the thermo-efficiency of the building which in the longer term will help to halt the decline of the building caused by damp ingress from failing windows.

“These elements present public benefits which, when combined with the wider investment in the building and replacement of the unsightly fire escape stair, provide the necessary public benefits to outweigh the limited harm to this unlisted building.”

In response to this, the inspector said in the report it had not been demonstrated that the replacement windows were ‘essential’ to ensure the viability of the property.

The Planning Inspectorate refused the appeal on August 28.