A new Keswick beer garden hoping to stay open until 8pm must continue to shut at 6pm – despite a massive £300,000 investment in the facility.
The ruling by the national park authority means outdoor drinkers and diners at The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Keswick, have to retreat indoors at 6pm, despite the costly transformation of its outdoor area.
The block follows objections from nearby residents to a bid by Wetherspoon which was seeking to win an extension so customers could stay outside up until 8pm.
The application was refused by planners at the Lake District National Park Authority.
They decided it would lead to noise disturbance and loss of privacy and an “unacceptable impact” on residents living nearby.
The national park said: “During the day the area is characterised by the movement of people and cars. In the evening there is less activity and noise due to shops being closed and fewer people using the car park.
“This offers occupants of nearby dwellings and guest houses some respite from what is, in the day, a busy area.”
A spokesman for Wetherspoon said it had not yet made a decision on whether it will appeal but would consider the matter. The company has until the end of April to object.
The spokesman said some customers chose to sit outside as a precaution against limiting the chances of catching Covid.
The company was served with an enforcement notice when the beer garden was used beyond the original 56 days temporary permission.
