A bike hire shop in the Lake District has lodged plans for an expansion to match the ‘significantly’ growing demand for e-bikes.

Forestry England have applied to the Lake District National Park Authority for planning permission to extend the building at Grizedale Bike Hire in Ambleside to provide additional space for the storage of e-bikes and an indoor space where customers can be briefed.

A planning statement says: “The current site constraints are that with the
developments in e bike technology the demand to hire these has grown significantly.

“Because of the need to charge these bikes the current facility is not suitable for the size of fleet required by current and future tenants. In addition, it will provide an indoor space where customers can be briefed at the start of their hire experience in times of poor weather.

“The design also responds to Forestry England’s’ aim to attract and encourage
those less active visitors who might be encouraged to explore more of the forest through the aid that an e-bike provides.”

Planning documents state the proposed extension is set at a right angle to the existing building with the aim of creating a sense of enclosure around a three-sided courtyard.

The planning statement concludes: “We believe these alterations will create a safer, usable space, by enhancing and utilising the existing elements on site.”

This planning application is currently being considered by the Lake District National Park Authority.