A HOTELIER'S bid to provide accommodation for his staff in Ambleside has received the blessing of planners despite concerns over parking.

Members of the Lake District National Park Authority development control committee approved an application from David Nicholson of the Holbeck Ghyll Hotel, Windermere, to use former family home Rossett Holme' on Compston Road as nine-bedroomed staff accommodation.

Planning officer Norman Atkins dismissed complaints from development control committee member Maurenn Colquhoun that "the highways authority can't know a lot about roads" after it raised no objection over the plan.

"Parking conditions on Compston Road are already appalling," said Ms Colquhoun. "If you are changing from a single family house to a house in multiple occupation with nine residents you could be faced with nine cars and there is only currently provision for two cars in the rear yard."

But Mr Atkins said the plan "addressed the unique shortage of accommodation of young people employed in the hotel and catering industry" and the majority of committee members agreed.

On hearing news of the ruling. Mr Nicholson said he was "delighted" and assured that most residents of Rossett Holme would not have cars since they were mainly overseas youngsters.

The house has been used by up to six staff since last Autumn and on receipt of planning permission can now host up to nine.

"Like a lot of Lakes hotels it's impossible to find local staff so you have to employ people from outside the area and the country and give them better and better accommodation. This is a lovely property in the heart of the action."

January 10, 2003 14:00