Grasmere, the picturesque Cumbrian village once described by poet William Wordsworth as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found", has become the centre of a planning dispute after an application to turn a former restaurant into a hot food takeaway was refused.
Proposal and Opposition
Applicant Shwan Khder, who wants to open Grasmere Kebab Shop at The Old Coach House on Stock Lane, is now preparing a fresh application after the original proposal was rejected by the Lake District National Park Authority in May. Mr Khder, who also runs takeaways in Kendal and Kirkby Stephen, said he intends to operate the premises as a restaurant where customers can eat in or take food away while seeking permission for a takeaway.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the 38-year-old described the opposition as "absolutely unbelievable" and insisted there was demand for the business in a village with no existing takeaway options. "There are no other takeaways in Grasmere and it is a busy place, especially at this time of year," he said. "If Wordsworth was alive today, of course he would [be one of my customers]. He needed energy and he needed food, especially if it's fresh, homemade food like my kebabs. Everybody back then would have wanted one."
Residents' Concerns
However, the proposal has sparked fierce opposition from many locals, who fear it would damage the village's peaceful atmosphere. Planning officers refused the application after raising concerns about inconsiderate parking, while also objecting to a proposed extractor flue they said would be visually intrusive and positioned close to a neighbouring flat.
Lakes Parish Council also recommended refusal, arguing the takeaway would introduce activity that was out of keeping with the surrounding residential area and would undermine the character of the village. Residents echoed those concerns, warning about increased traffic, litter, noise and cooking odours. Some also highlighted the site's proximity to Grasmere Primary School, saying takeaway packaging and late-night activity could affect the area.
One objector argued the business would "violate the peaceful nature of the village", while another warned it would bring delivery vehicles and a type of business that simply did not fit the location. Bookshop owner Julian Hyde was among those opposed, telling The Telegraph: "It's appalling. You could then have a fish and chip shop next to it. Then Tesco Express, and so on." Long-time resident John Lowther also fears customers would create parking problems on the private lane shared with the proposed premises, adding: "The kebab shop simply does not fit in with this beautiful village."
Support for the Kebab Shop
Not everyone is against the idea, however. Bartender Leah Sky said there was nowhere to buy food after late shifts because restaurants closed early, while art dealer Tim Hardy said he believed in "free enterprise" and accused some residents of wanting to keep Grasmere "as a museum". Tourist Linda Burton also backed the proposal, saying it would provide visitors with a more affordable place to eat in a village where many options are expensive.
Mr Khder is expected to submit a revised planning application in the hope of finally bringing Grasmere's first kebab shop to the village.
