Bar plans rejected amid fears of strain on police

The LDNPA authority said the applicants had not included details of how the bar would be managed

Plans to turn a guest house into a bar have been rejected over concerns it would add to the pressure on a town's police team.

The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) refused the proposal for Laurel Cottage guest house in Bowness, Cumbria.

In its decision report, the LDNPA said the application had failed to demonstrate that "it would not contribute to crime and disorder".

During a consultation into the plans, Cumbria Police said Bowness had seen "significant growth" in the number of licensed premises in recent years, which had resulted in more crime and a strain on police resources.

Windermere and Bowness Town Council had also objected to the plan by Bowness Bay Investments, and said it would be a "bar too far" due to the high number of nearby drinking establishments.

The LDNPA also said the company had failed to submit details of how the bar would be managed, or its capacity.

According to a heritage statement submitted with the plans, the cottage on St Martin's Square dates back to either the 17th or 18th Century and was once a school.