Plans to covert a former golf club store into a self-contained holiday let has been approved with conditions.

A planning application was submitted to the Lake District Planning Authority for the change of use of the former professional golf shop to a self-contained holiday let at Keswick Golf Club.

The application was approved by planners last week but with conditions.

The proposal stated: "Planning permission is sought to change the use of the building from a shop to a holiday let including the filling-in of two windows that face west towards the clubhouse, and the installation of a flue to the northern roof slope to allow the installation of a wood-burning stove.

"The holiday let would include an internal porch leading to an open plan kitchen/sitting area, a bedroom and a bathroom."

The holiday let would connect to existing infrastructure already in use by the clubhouse, for example, the water supply, electricity and drainage.

The applicants had discovered that the changing nature of golfing trade, particularly the retail element, meant that the former shop is no longer required.

The proposal would result in the reuse of the former shop, securing a future of viable use that keeps the building in use and secures and additional income for the golf club.

The design and access statement explained: "The number of fulltime members has declined significantly within the last 20 years. The Golf Club is increasingly reliant on visiting golfers and tourists for its income. The downturn in member numbers has meant that the applicants have had to diversify in order to maintain an income to keep the Golf Club trading."

The application was approved on the conditions that development will start within three years and the holiday let will be for the purposes of short-term holiday letting accommodation, and will not be occupied by any one individual, family or group for a period exceeding eight weeks in any three month period.