A GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR has allowed an appeal to construct a boathouse in the Lake District.

The planning inspectorate has overturned a decision by the Lake District National Park and has granted planning permission to Mr & Mrs Crocker to build a boathouse on a plot of the lakeshore of Windermere at Far Sawrey.

Proposals include the construction of a boathouse which will consist of a wet dock for the secure mooring of a boat, as well as storage room above for equipment and supplies. It also provides a day room for the enjoyment of the lake.

The Lake District National Park Authority initially refused the plans in February 2023 and labelled the proposals a ‘prominent and incongruous addition’ to the western shore of Windermere.

However, the report by the planning inspectorate says the proposed boathouse would be similar to existing nearby buildings and states: “The proposal would sit comfortably within its landscape setting. It would not result in a notable change to the landscape character of the area and the key characteristics of the landscape would be preserved.”

Planning documents state the proposals have been designed so that no trees will need to be felled and plans include incorporating several ecological and wildlife enhancements such as the installation of bat and bird boxes.

The design and access statement concludes: “The proposals have been designed to be a high-quality boat house to facilitate the use of the lake for recreation.

“Care and consideration have gone into evaluating the existing site and context, to ensure that the design is sympathetic and in keeping with the local area.”

The planning inspectorate granted the appeal on February 26.