Golf Course Development Approved in National Park’s Residential Hamlet

A project for an 18-hole golf course, situated within “one of the very last residential communities” inside a national park, has received official approval. The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) gave its consent to this development, planned for the site of Troutbeck Bridge Swimming Pool, located close to Windermere, Cumbria. A number of local residents voiced opposition to the proposals, arguing that introducing a tourist amenity into a residential hamlet was inappropriate. Furthermore, they expressed worries regarding the safety of students attending The Lakes School, which is situated nearby. However, the LDNPA stated that data indicated approximately one-third of the current users of the pool and gym were already visitors staying in holiday apartments. The project, put forward by Choices Health Club, the operator of the pool and gym, also includes provisions for re-landscaping the car park and modernizing the building’s facade. The LDNPA granted approval for the plans, contingent upon specific conditions, one of which stipulates that the golf course must cease operations after 20:00 from Monday to Saturday and after 17:00 on Sundays. An earlier, comparable application had been rejected in July 2023 because planning officials determined that those proposals would “result in the creation of a new tourism attraction in a village location” in an unsuitable area. The LDNPA clarified that the current application represented “a different scheme,” having been relocated to the opposing side of the existing structure. Local resident William Keith, who opposed the plans, commented: “This development will change our community forever and sadly for the worse.” Another local, Jean Flitter, characterized the plans as a “ridiculous idea.” She further stated: “Why do we need another mini golf course when there’s one in Ambleside and Bowness, and this is a small residential hamlet.” Both The Lakes School and Westmorland and Furness Council also raised objections, citing concerns about the potential effect on the “safe operation” of the school, which is situated directly across from the health club. According to a report compiled for the planning committee, planning officers expressed satisfaction that the development was “overall” acceptable concerning its influence on the area’s character. The LDNPA indicated that the expansion would provide support for both the current business and the local community. For updates, follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.