The inspector agreed with the authority’s position that the scheme would harm the character and appearance of the area, conflict with the purposes of the National Park’s designation and fail to conserve the significance of the Lake District World Heritage Site.

He also found that the scheme would fail to conserve the role played by the site within the setting of local heritage assets. 

Whilst the scheme would contribute to the diversification of an agricultural or land-based business, the inspector found that it would not do so in an acceptable way, thereby conflicting with the policies of the Local Plan on sustainable tourism and land-based diversification.

A copy of the decision can be found here.

Stephanie Bruce-Smith appeared for the Lake District National Park Authority at the hearing.