Plans to extend a Cumbrian hotel and create 30 new jobs have been approved by the Lake District National Park Authority.

The Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel, situated between Windermere and Ambleside, can now be significantly extended.

The scheme to add 46 new bedrooms, a spa and an outside sports area to the hotel, will begin in spring 2016, and take 18 months to complete.

The approved plans will see the four star resort also incorporate new restaurant facilities, a multi sports pitch, an indoor spa, a heated infinity pool and a sauna.

Simon Berry, managing director of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, says: “This is marvellous news. It’s the largest redevelopment of Low Wood Bay hotel since 1859, creating the Lake District’s first luxury destination resort. “We’re thrilled that the Lake District National Park Authority recognises what we are trying to achieve. In setting its vision for the park to be ‘world class’, it is now clearly supporting business to deliver on that vision and is showing the faith to back us on this project. “Our desire to create excellence and make significant improvements at one of our flagship hotel sites is a real fillip for both business and tourism in the area, especially at a time when the Lake District is seeking to attain World Heritage status.”

Infrastructure improvements have also been scheduled in order to create a new, dedicated entrance to the Low Wood site, a contemporary atrium linking all the resort facilities and new renewable energy provisions.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues worked with Lancaster based architects Mason Gillibrand on the design of the development and Lake District National Park Authority to bring the proposals to fruition.