PLANS to put up lights on a shop in the centre of a Lake District village failed to turn on some national park planners.

The proposal was made for the former Edge of the World premises at Red Lion Square, Grasmere, in the heart of the conservation area.

The prominent building – opposite The Inn at Grasmere – has been taken over by outdoor clothing chain Trespass.

The company applied for consent to put up five signs – two of which were LEDs. One would go on the shop front and the other near the entrance.

The Lake District National Park Authority’s development control committee considered the plans at a meeting in Kendal.

Planning officer Stephen Connor recommended the signs be approved as there are many other illuminated lights on neighbouring buildings, he said.

But Lakes Parish Council objected, saying they would “harm” the  conservation area.

Mr Connor said: “It does cause harm but is that harm enough to refuse the application? Given the context, I don’t think so.”

Park chairman Mike McKinley was concerned that the LDNPA was not protecting the village conservation area.

He told the hearing the park was obliged to conserve or enhance the area.

“I come to the conclusion these do not,” he said. “I would find great difficulty in supporting this application and endorsing the officer’s recommendation.”

But fellow panel member Miles MacInnes disagreed. “The lighting of the signs has minimal impact in the village centre. There are other lights on shop fronts and the pub is well lit on the outside,” he said.

Panel member Vicky Hughes, of Grasmere asked if the signs could stay but without being lit up and said they were an “issue”.

David McGowan, head of development management at Murley Moss, said there was “no middle ground” and the committee should refuse if they did not agree, he said.

Committee member John Thompson said the village centre was home to shops, cafes and restaurants with lighting. “I don’t think it would have any great impact,” he said.

When put to the vote, the plans were narrowly agreed four votes to three.

A report to the panel said the lights would be switched off when the shop was closed.