PLANS to build new ‘world class’ accommodation at a five star Lake District hotel have been given the green light.

The Lake District National Park Authority has approved a planning application from Gilpin Lake House Ltd to build two spa units at Gilpin Hotel near Bowness.

Previously plans for five new spa units at the hotel were approved in 2019.

Planning documents state: “The suites would represent contemporary accommodation that is in keeping with the aspirations of the park to deliver World Class Architecture to visitors of the park.

“The Lakehouse Spa was awarded Building of the Year at the 2013 Northern Design Awards. The spa suites were the winner of the International Property Awards 2017. The proposed new suites are intended to continue the delivery of Accommodation in the National park that is world class.”

According to plans the additional suites would require minor changes in costs but the increased revenue would be ‘essential’ in countering the ‘extraordinary rise’ in inputs, staff costs, utilities costs, energy and rates.

The design and access statement adds: “Gilpin is principally a couples and special occasion hotel. The visits (and development) are low intensity, low impact. The hotel has no desire to change this as to erode the tranquillity would simply undermine the core business.”

The proposed suites would take the total number of rooms at the hotel from 33 to 35.

The design and access statement concludes: “The need for the hotel to expand is undoubtable. Both for economics and to remain amongst the providers of accommodation that is now available in the Lake District.

“The extent of increase is not excessive and yet will secure the current requirements of the business.”

The planning application was approved by the LDNPA on May 21.