A PLANNING authority's decision to approve an extension to parking provision at a popular Lake District attraction sets a 'dangerous' precedent, according to one councillor.

The Lake District National Park Authority's (LDNPA) Development Control Committee approved permission to extend the car park at Brockhole in Windermere.

The approval permits an extension to the 249-bay car park with an additional 73 spaces, including blue badge spaces.

But Lakes Parish Council member Paul Truelove, who represents the Grasmere ward, said the decision paved the way for more and more parking to be created in the national park.

The report considered by the committee says the application, submitted by the LDNPA, contravened its own policy on sustainable transport.

"It's setting a bad example," he said. "Say a developer applies for a bit of a car park and is refused and it goes to appeal, any half-competent solicitor would be able to see the national park authority has given itself permission. They can say: 'It's one rule for us and another for everyone else'.

"You will end up with more and more parking."

In its submission in relation to the application, charity Friends of the Lake District made similar remarks.

"The proposals...are clearly contrary to policy," said the charity. "Given the plethora of car parking applications being submitted to the LDNPA in recent times we strongly contend that approving this application regardless of this clear policy conflict would set a dangerous precedent for increased parking provision across the National Park."

Andrew Smith, assistant head of development management at the LDNPA, said: "In relation to future applications and the appeal process, it is worth noting appeals are determined by planning inspectors on behalf of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

"An inspector would use the same legal and policy framework as we do to reach a judgement as to whether a specific scheme was acceptable or not taking into account site specific circumstances.

"The scheme will improve facilities for people arriving at Brockhole by foot, cycle and bus, as well as providing consistent access and parking for coaches.

"Although we have no control over the number of cars coming to the centre, additional parking spaces will reduce the number of cars being turned away, reducing vehicle movement, emissions and congestion."