A FOUR-star hotel’s plan to transform a residential garden into one to grow produce for its guests as well as to host people attending functions has been recommended for approval.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority will consider the proposal for the Burgoyne Hotel in Reeth, which is a grade II listed property that was built in 1783.

The hotel has bought 314sqm of land which previously belonged to a residential property and it wants to create a chef’s garden, which it says is an essential part of the business development of the hotel. The area of land nearest to the hotel would be laid to grass for use as additional garden for use by guests staying at the hotel or attending functions.

The land is next to the gardens of residential properties in Hill Close and Arkengarthdale Road.

However, Reeth, Fremington and Healaugh Parish Council was unanimous in not supporting the application, with councillors raising concerns the changes would allow for the use of marquees and other large group, garden-based activities that could have a detrimental impact on neighbours.

Planning officers said they believed the impacts on neighbours could be mitigated “to a reasonable degree” through a management plan and the imposition of conditions that restrict hours of use.