A four-star Lake District hotel has been given the go-ahead to construct a boathouse and additional guest accommodation by a government inspector.

The Planning Inspectorate overturned a decision by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) to allow Storrs Hotel, located in Bowness, to build a new boat house with guest accommodation on the shoreline of Windermere.

Planning documents say the proposed boathouse will have a ‘vacation unit’ consisting of two bedrooms and a minimal, non-ramped channel leading to the wet dock area of the boat house and new external jetty.

Previously in September, members of the development control committee for the LDNPA turned down plans for the boathouse against planning officers’ advice.

Planning officers stated in a report prepared for the committee: “The proposed development would be acceptable in principle and would be of an appropriate design and scale, that reflects the character of the area and conserves the setting of the designated heritage assets and amenity value of the surrounding woodland.”

In a development control meeting in September, committee members unanimously refused the application.

A decision notice issued by the LDNPA at the time stated: “The proposed boathouse by reason of its design, scale and form, particularly the size, levels of glazing and prominence of the first-floor guest accommodation, would fail to reflect the traditional character and appearance of vernacular boathouses.

“The proposals would contribute towards the incremental spread of development along this undeveloped section of the Windermere lakeshore, within the open countryside.”

However, a planning inspector allowed the appeal by Storrs Hotel and concluded the proposed development would ‘not conflict’ with the development plan.

A heritage statement submitted by the applicants says: “The works are proposed as part of a programme of investment to enhance the facilities of the hotel, and to provide additional accommodation and boating sport opportunities for visitors.

“The proposed interventions will enable a larger group of visitors to enjoy the vista of Storrs Hall, which contributes to the English Lake District World Heritage Sites Outstanding Universal Value.”

The Planning Inspectorate overturned the decision by the LDNPA and allowed the appeal on May 10.