MAJOR plans to create nearly 50 new bedrooms as part of a development at one of the Lake District's most iconic hotels have been unveiled.

Owned by the English Lakes Hotels chain, the four star Low Wood Bay, which sits on the shores of Windermere, has been run by the Berry family for more than 60 years.

A planning application has now been submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority which said the 'age, nature and complexity of the buildings' presented maintenance challenges and that the development would ensure the hotel's 'long term economic and environmental sustainability'.

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The proposals, which could create 30 full time equivalent jobs, include:

  • the relocation of the main access off the A591
  • 46 new bedrooms as well as an extension of others
  • conversion and extension of the main hotel to form new restaurant facilities
  • creation of a multi sports pitch and changing facility
  • the creation of a new gatekeeper's lodge and reception, atrium
  • conversion of the café to spa

Simon Berry, Managing Director of English Lakes Hotels, Resorts and Venues, said: “We are very proud to be part of the community in the South Lakes and to have played an important role in the development of sustainable tourism in the Lake District.

“Low Wood Bay is a very popular destination for visitors to the Lake District. By expanding the current facilities, these exciting proposals would fill an important gap in the tourism offering in the Lakes, creating a world class, luxury resort on the shores of Windermere.”

“We have been working with the Lake District National Park Authority under a Planning Performance Agreement and we look forward to talking to people in the local community and to other businesses as the plans progress.”

A design and access statement, written by Mason Gillibrand architects of Caton, outlines the proposals in detail.

"The business case for this development is driven by the need to ensure long term economic and environmental sustainability for Low Wood Bay," it reads.

"This will best be secured by investing significantly in both the scale and quality of the product offering.

"Substantial investments are required in infrastructure including the creation of a new and safer entrance to the site, and significant projects to provide renewable energy.

"In order to make these investments financially viable there is a need for more accommodation of a higher quality, additional food and beverage offerings, and new leisure facilities."

It added: "The proposed development will enable us to support the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the site in a manner that is financially viable, supported by the enhanced revenues generated by a larger and higher quality operation."

Among the leisure improvement are additional hot tubs, a heated infinity pool and sauna.