Ambleside Premier Inn plan revived

Plans for a Premier Inn in Ambleside are back on the cards after proposals to build a hotel in the town last year were shelved.

An application is set to be submitted in the autumn to build an 88-bedroom Premier Inn on land at Borrans Road in the town.

Stoford Developments and not-for-profit housing provider Home Group are also planning to build 40 affordable homes on the same site.

Stoford Developments say the hotel will fund the building of the affordable houses which would not be viable without the Premier Inn.

Last year the hotel giant pulled plans to build a Premier Inn at the University of Cumbria's Hill Top following objections from residents and businesses over traffic concerns and a loss of business for existing hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Consultation on the new scheme is starting this month with a presentation due to take place to Ambleside Parish Council (22 July) followed by a two-day public exhibition being arranged to take place in August.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) in the autumn.

The site is located to the east of Borrans Road and south of Loughrigg Park and Loughrigg Meadow. According to the Lake District National Park Authority’s ‘Local Plan’, the site has been identified as being suitable for new homes.

Local architects, Ben Cunliffe Architects Ltd, based in Crook have been appointed as scheme architect. The practice has worked extensively across the Lake District.

Early stage architectural designs will be part of the information put on show at the forthcoming public exhibition. Members of the public will be able to see more detail and comment on aspects including the designs, proposed use of local materials and other influences shaping the scheme.