Controversial plans to create a 108-cover beer garden in the car park next to Wetherspoon pub in Keswick have been given the go ahead by planners – but with a restricted closing time of 6pm.
The scheme for a large open-air facility at the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Bank Street was first put forward in 2018 but residents in neighbouring properties and guest houses launched a successful campaign against it.
They were backed by Keswick Town Council which also objected to the plan for the former police station and magistrates’ court, which is a Grade II listed building.
The 2018 scheme was refused by the Lake District National Park Authority because of noise concerns and fears it would be visually intrusive.
A subsequent appeal by the JD Wetherspoon chain to a planning inspector was dismissed for the same reason.
The latest application addresses those issues by creating a stone boundary wall topped with a glass ballustrade, and installing a gate to close off the area when not in use.
The town council had again objected, acknowledging that the new application was an improvement but that the original reasons for refusal still remained, which included the loss of car parking for staff.
Three letters of objection were received with concerns about the noise and anti-social behaviour and a loss of car parking.
A further letter pointed out there was a well used right of way through the beer garden which would be closed off in the evening.
However, LDNPA planning officer Phil Nicholls told the February meeting of the LDNPA’s development control committee that restricted opening hours until 6pm would preserve the amenity of neighbouring residents and the character of the area.
Members approved the scheme after the revised design was said to preserve the character and appearance of the Keswick Conservation Area and setting of the listed building.
