PLANS to build a visitors’ centre at a Lake District beauty spot have been rejected by the national park – for the second time.

Landowners Lowther Estates had submitted a planning application to create a ‘welcome hub’ and bike hire at White Moss Common – next to the A591 between Rydal and Grasmere.

This followed the rejection of a similar scheme last November.

The Lake District National Park Authority turned down the plan on the grounds that it conflicted with a number of national park policies and the building “would cause harm to the character and appearance of the area by reason of its presence, size and design in this woodland setting.”

The rejection has been welcomed by countryside campaign groups including the Open Spaces Society (OSS) and Friends of the Lake District.

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of OSS, said: “We are overjoyed that the national park authority has again rejected the plans because of their highly damaging nature to the peace and tranquillity of this lovely part of the national park.

“It is totally inappropriate to commercialise this beautiful, quiet place and deeply worrying that the landowner should wish to do so.

“The plans were more suited to Disney World or Legoland than to a national park which is seeking World Heritage Status.”