Pub plans new housing to attract top staff

The owner of the Travellers Rest says a lack of accommodation is hampering recruitment

A pub and guest house wants to build a two-storey staff accommodation block in a bid to retain and attract employees.

The proposals by Lake District Inns Ltd are for the building to be developed at a scenic location next to the Travellers Rest Inn at Grasmere, Cumbria.

The company says a lack of local accommodation creates significant recruitment issues.

Documents submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) show the building would consist of seven single-occupancy units, each containing an en suite bathroom and a kitchenette.

The plans would also enable a nearby bungalow - known as Ghylburn - to be occupied by a couple to manage the inn and lead to the employment of four additional members of staff, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

'Pricing people out'

The Travellers Rest currently has 10 full-time and three to five part-time members of staff.

In the planning documents, Lake District Inns said it could not operate at pre-Brexit and Covid-19 pandemic levels due to "the inability to attract and retain staff".

It said: "This a situation is compounded by the cost and lack of availability of housing that's pricing people out of the market.

"It has become fundamental that the provision of subsidised accommodation to a high standard is made as part of a package to attract and retain staff and appeal to the calibre of staff needed to properly serve the business."

The LDNPA is currently considering the application which, if approved, will see construction at the northern end of the pub's existing car park.