A NEW restaurant with 'dramatic' zinc-clad roof planned for Levens Hall has been given the seal of approval by South Lakeland District Council.

The Elizabethan manor, near Levens, is world famous for its topiary gardens and is home to Richard and Naomi Bagot.

Unfortunately the Grade I-listed hall was hit by flooding during Storm Desmond and, according to planning documents, the new eating spot will be raised 800mm from ground level because of the flooding risk.

The Bagot family commissioned Newcastle-upon-Tyne architects Mawson Kerr to design the restaurant, which will replace the existing Bellingham Buttery cafe and will be open all year round, rather than April to October.

"The new restaurant will provide vital new facilities to the estate supporting the long-term sustainability of the house and grounds," state the architects in their design statement.

"Their [Richard and Naomi Bagot] desire was for an outstanding piece of architecture that would create an accessible, comfortable, energy efficient contemporary venue, enhancing the existing character of the grounds."

Described as "both contemporary in design but also respectful of the house and grounds", the plans feature an outdoor dining terrace offering uninterrupted views over fields to the River Kent.

Rather than "mimic the design of the historic Levens Hall", the architects have incorporated references to the Elizabethan property, such as an asymmetrical zinc-clad roof to "echo the pitched roofs of the house" and its historic leadwork.

The glass and timber dining room is to feature a contemporary 'green wall' inspired by the "ancient hedges and topiary" laid out more than 300 years ago.

Outside, a mosaic of the Bagot goat is planned in the paving, as well as limestone walls, wild flower grasses and ramps suitable for people in wheelchairs and children in pushchairs.

According to planning documents, the restaurant could create five full-time and eight part-time jobs.

The design statement adds: "Levens Hall typically attracts visitors to the region so the restaurant is unlikely to cause any harm to local businesses, it is more likely to increase visitor numbers, helping local businesses. There isn’t a similar restaurant in the area, with the only restaurant in Levens, the Hare & Hounds Inn, a different type of establishment."