Nicola Merrett, founder of mountain skills business Hiking Highs, has been knocked back by the Lake District National Park Authority in her bid to keep a hut used as a holiday let in the grounds of Bell Cottage near Glenridding in Patterdale.
The decision was referred to the LDNPA Development Control Committee due to the case officer’s recommendation of refusal being in conflict with Patterdale Parish Council’s position, and the receipt of 15 letters supporting the scheme.
The planning statement says that Bell Cottage, a former 16-bed YMCA hostel, is the base of Hiking Highs, as well as being the applicant’s home since 2013.
It says the hut contains a double bed, shower, toilet, and small kitchenette.
The reason for refusal was given in the decision report, which says: “The proposal fails to satisfy the exceptional requirements for development in the open countryside.”
Patterdale Parish Council wrote: “It helps to support an existing local business providing holiday accommodation without removing housing which could be used by residents.”
One letter of support stated: “The applicant has made a very significant contribution to improving the health of the adjacent beck by an overall decrease in the number of overnight stays.”
Another commented: “A successful outcome to this application would enable the applicant and her son to continue to live in the village and carry on contributing to village life as she has done for the past 15 years.”
READ MORE: Poultry firm given go-ahead to build new chiller building amid local objections
READ MORE: ‘In danger of becoming a ghetto’ – Objections to Lake District guest house plan
One supporter called it ‘somewhat ironic that she of all people risks rejection on sustainability grounds’.
It continues: “One small hut rented out part-time which drains into a modern septic tank is meagre compared to other permitted developments and practices in the valley.”
“The applicant plays a full and active role in our community. Her vocation as a walking guide, educates visitors as to the indigenous nature of life, community, economics and care for the Lakeland countryside,” another supporting letter states.
The decision report concludes: “The benefits of the proposal, including to the economy, providing accommodation for visitors, and the personal circumstances of the applicant, are not sufficient to outweigh the harm.”
