A NEW bottling facility is set to create jobs and keep manufacturing local for Staveley businesses.

The Lake District National Park Authority approved the new plant on Staveley Mill Yard, which will benefit on-site beverage makers.

The recommendation presented to the Development Control Committee said that the proposal would provide ‘new employment space’ and help existing businesses to ‘expand and develop’.

David Brockbank, owner of the retail and business site, said he was pleased with the decision and that there was a ‘big demand’ for manufacturing space in the national park.

“In the national park it’s good to have people making things,” he said.

“I would just like to congratulate the national park on allowing us the permission to manufacture.”

Staveley Mill Yard is a former bobbin mill but is now home to the largest bike shop in the UK, Wheelbase Cycles; Wilf’s Cafe and a variety of other shops and eateries.

The new building will be situated within the Staveley Conservation Area and the setting of the remains of St Margaret’s Chapel, a Grade II* listed building.

Some objections to the facility, which were considered, included a lack of additional car parking, the potential noise that might be produced and concerns that the building would ‘dominate all users of the riverside walk’.

However, the recommendation for approval stated that the building would not be ‘unacceptably imposing’ and the Local Highway Authority had no objections to the proposal in respect of car parking. It was decided that the building design would ‘enhance the conservation area’.

Mr Brockbank hoped the facility would create at least four or five new jobs and the expectation is that it will be utilised by Hawkshead Brewery and Friendly Food and Drink.

“It’s really good, I am really pleased,” he said.

“It’s great that we are able to develop the site and provide manufacturing space.

“The other great thing is that it allows successful businesses to stay in the national park.”