Locals fight new Keswick Premier Inn plans
A group of businesses is trying to stop a new 71-bedroom hotel from being built in the Lake District.
A petition against the plans for the hotel by Premier Inn has received more than 2,000 signatures online.
Those opposed to the plans say the new building, which is due to be built on the site of a former care home, won't fit in with the charm of the town.
But Premier Inn says it will bring many benefits, including 30 new jobs.
The plans, which are in the consultation phase, are due to be submitted to the Lake District National Park Planning Authority, Keswick Town Council and Cumbria County Council on the 24th of October.
But people who oppose the plans state the following concerns on their petition website:
Changing the heritage of Keswick - a town built on tourism over centuries by hard-working, independent business owners including shops, B&Bs, hotels, hospitality suppliers and other professionals.
Pushing the town's infrastructure to the limits - causing unnecessary congestion through the town, putting strains on the access road and the town's utilities in particular the sewage system.
Lack of car parking spaces - constructing a new building with not enough on-site parking spaces to cover the requirements of hotel and restaurant guests and staff.
Over-development of the site - a construction, which towers above neighbouring buildings and blocking the view of Skiddaw from the famous Cumbrian Way/Howrah's footpath.
Using "30 more jobs" - as an incentive to obtain planning permission, when Keswick has no unemployment and has a problem filling existing jobs.
There was similar debates in 2014 when plans were put forward for a Premier Inn in Penrith.
In a statement, Premier Inn said: