New Road, Windermere, LA23

Consented development land in the heart of the Lake District National Park - a rare, live planning permission in one of England's most visited destinations.

Consented development land of this quality, in a position like this, does not come to the market often. This prominent site on New Road at the heart of Windermere town centre carries live planning permission for a fourteen-unit aparthotel scheme with a ground-floor commercial unit of approximately 3,500 sq ft - granted by the Lake District National Park Authority and confirmed as live following a material commencement of works. The consent is there. What it becomes is a question for the right buyer.

The opportunity, however, is deliberately broader than the consented scheme. We are bringing this site to market with an open brief - actively inviting interest from hotel and hospitality operators, premium serviced accommodation providers, restaurant and commercial users, and lifestyle buyers with their own vision. The National Park's strong presumption against new development makes a granted major permission, in a location of this calibre, a genuinely scarce asset. Buyers with an alternative proposal are encouraged to explore.

THE HEADLINE FACTS

Site area:  Approximately 1,385.5 sq m (15,800 sq ft)

Planning reference:  7/2022/5218 — Lake District National Park Authority

Consent:  Aparthotel - ground-floor commercial unit (c.3,500 sq ft) plus 14 serviced accommodation units over three storeys

Status:  Live permission - material commencement confirmed

Location:  New Road, Windermere - main arterial road, immediate junction with Lake Road

Existing buildings:  Two bungalow holiday-let units with car parking, to be demolished as part of the consented scheme

Asking price:  Offers in the region of £2,000,000

THE SITE

The site occupies a principal position on New Road at the gateway to Windermere town centre. The main arterial road runs directly to Lake Road and down to the Bowness promenade - arguably the most frequented stretch of the entire National Park. The site is immediately visible from that road and from the pedestrian routes that feed the town's visitor economy.

To the north sits Windermere Suites, a traditionally built late-Victorian guest house in local stone with white render and slate roof, which served as the design reference for the approved scheme. To the south, the Windermere Social Club occupies a similar two-storey rendered building. The streetscene is characteristically Lakeland in tone, and the approved design responds to it closely.

A public right of way follows the site boundary, connecting New Road to Chestnut Road to the rear, where the refuse and service access for the consented scheme is positioned. Nineteen parking spaces are provided within the scheme layout, together with ten cycle storage spaces and six 1,100-litre euro bins.

THE PLANNING PERMISSION

Permission was granted by the Lake District National Park Authority on 4 November 2022 under reference 7/2022/5218. The consented scheme involves the demolition of all existing buildings on site and the erection of a new-build aparthotel comprising ten one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units, and a ground-floor commercial unit of approximately 3,500 sq ft.

The building is designed over three storeys, utilising the roofspace for the uppermost level. Individual unit floor areas range from 56.7 sq m to 70.5 sq m for the one-bedroom units and 65 to 70.5 sq m for the two-bedroom units. The gross internal floor area of the aparthotel element is 365 sq m.

The approved materials reflect the LDNPA's exacting standards: locally sourced natural stone to the principal elevations, Cumbrian-mined riven slate laid in diminishing courses to the pitched roofs, natural ashlar limestone quoins and surrounds, and white/ivory render to the upper returns. The approved plans are referenced in the consented drawings numbered 002 Rev A, 007 Rev A, 008 Rev A, 009 and accompanying documentation.

A material commencement of development was achieved prior to the expiry of the three-year condition, by way of the formation of the new vehicular access from New Road in accordance with the approved plans and with the Local Planning Authority notified accordingly. The permission should be treated as live for the purposes of any acquisition, subject to solicitors confirming the position formally.

WHAT IT COULD BECOME

The consented aparthotel is a compelling proposition in its own right. Windermere and the Bowness waterfront attract millions of visitors annually; the site is within five minutes' walk of the town centre and half a mile from the railway station. The operational statement for the scheme envisages a fully serviced aparthotel with a breakfast and drinks offering, online booking, and a managed reception and key-safe system - an entirely deliverable commercial model in a location with demonstrably strong and sustained demand.

Beyond the consented scheme, we will actively present the site to the following categories of buyer: hotel or apart-hotel operators looking to enter or expand within one of England's most visited destinations; premium lodge or serviced accommodation providers seeking a consented starting point; restaurant, café or hospitality-led commercial users for the ground floor with residential or serviced accommodation above; professional services, wellness or mixed-use operators subject to alternative planning consent; and private purchasers considering a bespoke owner-occupier scheme, for whom the scarcity and quality of the location will speak for itself.

The site is not being offered on a restrictive basis. The National Park's planning environment is demanding, but the consent already secured represents the most significant hurdle. The right buyer, with the right proposal and the capability to execute, will find this a genuinely exceptional starting point.

LOCATION

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and the principal gateway to the Lake District National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town of Windermere sits at the head of the lake with Bowness-on-Windermere immediately adjacent to the south and the lake promenade just over a mile from the site. Kendal lies approximately eight miles to the east. The M6 motorway is accessible at Junction 36.

The immediate context is mixed commercial and visitor accommodation, with the town centre's retail, hospitality and leisure offer within a short walk. Windermere railway station provides direct services to Oxenholme, connecting to the West Coast Main Line. The site's position on the main road into the town, at the junction with Lake Road, is one of the most visible in Windermere.

TERMS & FURTHER INFORMATION

The freehold interest is offered for sale at offers in the region of £2,000,000, with the benefit of the live planning permission. Sale as is, of the existing site without the consented scheme, may also be considered at a revised price on application.

VAT is not currently payable on the sale price. We understand water and electricity are connected to the property. Pre-commencement planning conditions relating to the energy strategy, surface water drainage scheme and refuse management details will require formal discharge with the LDNPA before construction works can commence; these matters are capable of resolution in the normal way and are not unusual in the context of a major National Park permission.

House & Heritage would be delighted to arrange an accompanied viewing of the site and to provide a full copy of the planning documents on request. For further information or to register your interest, please contact David Arnold directly.

EPC Rating: F

Disclaimer

Every care has been taken with the preparation of these property details but they are for general guidance only and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If there is any point, which is of particular importance professional verification should be sought. These property details do not constitute a contract or part of a contract. We are not qualified to verify tenure of property. Prospective purchasers should seek to obtain verification of tenure from their solicitor. The mention of any appliances, fixtures or fittings does not imply they are in working order. Photographs are reproduced for general information and it cannot be inferred that any item shown is included in the sale. All dimensions are approximate.