Lake District hotel plans to install EV charging point

The Lake District National Park Authority registered the application on May 26, 2026 which is currently being considered.

Rothay Garden Hotel on Broadgate, Grasmere submitted the application which seeks to install one pedestal mounted EV charging point with two outlets to enable the charging of two vehicles at the same time.

They are also seeking permission to install an associated pole mounted sign marking the charging point.

The hotel is owned by Harbour Hotels Ltd, who submitted the application, and is described as a "Lakeland stone-faced Victorian villa accommodating 30 bedrooms, a restaurant, spa, manager’s house and landscaped gardens."

If successful, the application would see a pedestal mounted EV charging point installed in the hotel's car park on the west side of the hotel grounds which offers space for four cars.

The Proposed Site Plan shows that the pedestal charging point would be located "adjacent to the bays."

This position is said to allow "the charging unit to serve both spaces without requiring wider changes to the layout or operation of the car park.

"The submitted Proposed Site Plan shows the EV charging bays located on the western side of the car park, away from the principal hotel frontage."

Rothay Garden Hotel is not listed, but is considered a "building of special character" inside Grasmere Conservation Area.

The Design and Access Statement reads: "The works would preserve the character and appearance of the Grasmere Conservation Area.

"Any visual effect would be highly localised and would be outweighed by the sustainability benefits associated with supporting low-emission vehicle use at the hotel."

The applicant notes that "the works are operationally linked to the existing hotel and would provide a modest but important enhancement to the facilities available at the site.

"The amount of development is extremely limited.

They add: "It would not create any new building, floorspace, overnight accommodation or independent commercial use.

"The proposal would serve two parking spaces only and would therefore represent a very small scale intervention within the existing hotel car park."

As well as a sign to mark the EV charging spot, the application seeks permission for a wheels stop/crash protection barrier, plus associated cabling and electrical connection works.

The applicant states that sustainability is a "key design objection of the proposal."

They said: "The proposal would help meet increasing customer demand for EV charging and would support the continued operation and competitiveness of Rothay Garden Hotel as a high-quality visitor destination.

"By using the existing car park and limiting the physical works to the minimum required, the proposal represents an efficient and sustainable use of previously developed operational hotel land."

Existing access arrangements would remain unchanged.

The Design and Access Statement concludes that "the proposal represents a proportionate and well-designed addition to Rothay Garden Hotel.

"It would improve the hotel’s visitor facilities, support sustainable travel choices and preserve the character and appearance of the surrounding area."

The Lake District National Park Authority is yet to make a decision on the application.