APPROVAL has been recommended for a project that will see an historic country house turned into a high-end family hotel.

Bankfield Hall, just west of Urswick Tarn, will be renovated to include a hotel lobby, new porch and veranda, and an orangery.

The site will also house two annexes providing 12 en suite rooms, and 12 woodland lodges offering two or three bedroom accommodation.

Speaking at the SLDC planning meeting, Richard Cater, agent for the applicant, said: "The applicants want to restore this historic house and to also create an exciting business opportunity.

"It requires significant financial investment. It will be family based and will focus on quality, making the most of the rural surroundings and the assets of the house.

"The bottom line is that Bankfield Hall is rotting at the moment. The applicant is going to great lengths and expense to preserve this fascinating part of the Lakes."

The planning officer assured the councillors that the old buildings and features of the property, including the 1890s-built stables, would remain.

It was also explained that the main entrance would be widened for use by all users of the facilities. Meanwhile, the smaller southerly entrance would be reserved for pedestrian access and the occasional service vehicle.

Councillor Pete McSweeney raised concern over the potential for the lodges to be let out on a long term basis as holiday homes, however was assured that this was not part of the business plan, and that rules limited the letting to a maximum period of 28 weeks at a time.

The councillors were also informed that the nearest lodge to any existing properties would be 15m away. The nearest parking space would also be 23m away from any other property.

It was confirmed that some of the facilities of the hotel would also be open to the public.

Recommending approval, Cllr Janette Jenkinson said: "I propose that we allow this. There is not a doubt in my mind that this will be a wonderful amenity for the area.

Cllr Helen Irvine seconded the proposal, and the council voted unanimously in favour of recommending approval.