Plans to add an enclosure around a seating area at a Lake District brewery are set to be turned down.
Members of the Lake District National Park Authority development control committee are recommended to refuse proposals from Keswick Brewing Co to add an oak framed enclosure within the existing outdoor seating area at their site on Brewery Lane.
In a report prepared for the committee, planning officers concluded: “The proposals would provide a highly usable and flexible space for customers of the brewery which is likely to be attractive throughout the year.
“The potential for increased and intensified activity in very close proximity to the boundary of the site and neighbours to it is likely to lead to an unacceptable increase in noise and disturbance over and above that which currently exists.
“The scale and location of the proposed shelter would lead to an overbearing effect and a loss of light to the ground floor windows of nos. 1 and 2 Brewery Lane Cottages.”
A design and access statement submitted by the applicant says the plans would improve trade opportunities.
It said: “The proposed oak framed structure would provide year-round cover and having a permanent outside covered area gives more surety to staffing levels.
“The permanent structure will not increase the opening times for the business but will improve trade opportunities within the current operational times which will assist with the increased overheads and utility bills caused by the current economic climate.”
The outside area closest to the bar at present relies on the use of gazebos when the weather is poor or to provide shade when it is too hot to sit in direct sun but the gazebos can’t be used if it is windy, the statement added.
Planning documents submitted in 2023 state: “The business has continued to be successful following its recent investments but the after effects of COVID and the current cost of living crisis have changed the business.
“There is less demand for trade sales but the Tap Bar and beer garden area continue to be successful although the start of the year has seen a more cautious approach to customer spending.
“Like all businesses, overheads have increased due to rising energy and interest rates and the business needs to ensure it remains financially viable making best use of existing resources and opportunities.”
Members of the development control committee for the LDNPA are recommended to turn down the proposals when they meet on May 1 at Murley Moss in Kendal.
