A PLANNING application for the redevelopment of a hotel to include a forest retreat spa as well as 12 'dark-sky cabins' in the Lake District has been refused.

Plans for the Overwater Hotel, Ireby near Bassenthwaite, were refused by the Lake District National Park Authority on March 13. 

The application proposed an increase in the offering of bedrooms, a restaurant and banqueting suite, and a forest retreat spa and leisure complex - with ambitions of 'elevating the hotel to five-star standard'. 

Here's how our readers reacted.

Niki Foster said: "It sounds a fantastic venture, why refuse," also adding "The dark sky cabins sound idyllic."

READ MORE: Plans for forest retreat spa and hotel development refused

Jackie Hunter agreed with Niki, and said: "Sounds wonderful. It's just going to end up another abandoned beautiful building in the future if the councils don't help these beautiful hotels."

John Edwards said: "Sharrow Bay closed, Howtown is only open for groups at weekends. If hotels don’t diversify they will close. The Swiss Ladore hotel managed to get planning permission for their expansion. Not sure I understand this decision."

Lex Robley added: "If it keeps the building and business going why not sounds like a little bit of paradise."

Paul Crooks commented: "Brilliant news - if people want to stay in a resort they can go to Center Parcs - no need to spoil this area," also saying "Overwater Hall could be developed, but not into Center Parcs."

Niki Foster replied and said: "Centre Parcs is extortionate prices. This sounds lovely."

Carole Caulfield said: "I think this is quite sad news."