A North Yorkshire leisure venue has applied for planning permission to allow it to continue operating its existing facilities.
An application has been submitted to regularise the use of the outdoor café seating area, children’s play area and family attractions at Ellerton Lakeside, near Scorton.
Planning documents state that the venue has operated as a lakeside café and leisure destination for a number of years.
The current owners purchased the business in 2020, inheriting a site that already included outdoor seating and a children’s play area.
According to the application, the play area has been in place for more than a decade and was upgraded in 2021 to improve safety and compliance standards without significantly increasing its size or capacity.
The proposals seek permission to retain the existing outdoor seating area within the café garden, which is enclosed by a wooden fence and pergola and used by customers for dining and refreshments.
Owner Simon Hilliard said in the application: “Following a review of the site and its ongoing operation, it has become apparent that a planning application is required to regularise and update permissions relating to existing and evolving business activities.
“The application does not seek to introduce a new use, but to formalise established and ancillary uses associated with the café and leisure facility”
He added: “Overall, the site operates as a well-managed café and leisure destination, with long-established and complementary uses that support community recreation, outdoor activity and a sustainable rural business.”
The application also includes plans to formalise the seasonal use of a field next to the existing car park between May and September each year.
During this period, the area would be used for overflow parking, public access and family activities including inflatables, games and food sales.
Applicants say all seasonal attractions would be temporary, contained within a secure fenced area and supported by designated parking and pedestrian routes.
No permanent structures or hard surfacing are proposed, and the field would return to grassland outside the operating season.
Permission is also being sought for the use of a second service counter within the existing café building during busy periods.
The counter would operate entirely within the current footprint of the building and is intended to improve customer flow at peak times.
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