A FORMER Methodist chapel in a Lake District village is to be converted into a licensed bistro cafe bar.

Members of the Lake District National Park Authority's development control committee agreed to the change of use of the unused church on College Street in Grasmere's conservation area.

Lake Parish Council had objected to the application on the grounds that it was an unneighbourly development that may cause noise and nuisance in the narrow street.

The council argued that there was already a large number of similar commercial establishments in the village and it would be much better if the building was used as a house rather than a cafe. Planning permission had been granted for the property to be converted into a house in 2015 but that consent was about to expire.

Cumbria County Council's highways department said that the application would generate more traffic but the impact would be 'marginal at most'.

There were six letters of objection and they claimed the opening hours would have a 'significant' impact on neighbouring residential properties and that the character of the peaceful area would change in the evening. It was also felt that deliveries and customers would cause extra noise pollution.

But LDNPA planners said that the proposal would make use of an unused building which would enhance the vitality and vibrancy of the village while maintaining the historic character of the area.

The meeting was told external alterations would be limited to the installation of a flue for the kitchen and replacement of the existing railings on the boundary wall with glass panels.

The application was approved only if certain conditions were met, such as the enclosed outdoor area to the south of the building would not be used by customers between 6pm and 9am the following day so that it would safeguard the amenities of the residents living around the area.