PLANS to convert a five-bedroom Lake District guest house into a permanent home or a holiday let have been given the go-ahead.

Members of the development control committee for the Lake District National Park Authority have approved plans from Mr and Mrs M Sarjant to convert Haven Cottage on Rydal Road in Ambleside into a permanent dwelling or holiday let.

Information submitted to the national park authority says the property has been marketed since January without any interest or viewings.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant planning consultant, Peter Winter told the committee he is ‘aware’ applications of this type regularly appear on the agenda for the development control committee and reflect a ‘clear change’ in demand from visitors.

Mr Winter said: “That change shows a growing movement away from small traditional B&Bs to self-catering and serviced accommodation.”

“Recent increases in energy and food cost as well as commercial mortgage rates, the lack of locally available staff, and the reluctance on the behalf of many visitors to now stay in small establishments since the COVID pandemic have all accelerated this trend and have led to a decline in demand for small B&Bs such as Haven cottage”, Mr Winter added.

However, The Lakes Parish Council objected to the planning application stating the conversion would ‘exacerbate’ the issue of ‘excess’ holiday lets in the area.

In a planning consultation, the parish council said: “The Lake District is witnessing a marked decline in traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments, many of which are family-run businesses that play a vital role in supporting local schools and contributing to the financial health of the community.

“The loss of such establishments not only undermines the local economy but also weakens community cohesion. Moreover, it reduces the diversity of accommodation options available to visitors, potentially impacting the area’s appeal to a broader range of tourists”

Mr Winter told the committee there are three other B&Bs within the ‘immediate vicinity’ of Haven Cottage.

“Therefore, the loss of this small B&B will not have a detrimental impact on the overall range of visitor types in the area”, he added.

Members of the development control committee approved the planning application at Murley Moss on November 6.