A POPULAR Lake District hotel has lodged plans to make improvements including an extension of the bar facility and extra balcony space in some of the bedrooms.

Plans have been lodged for the 'proposed conservatory bar extension with both replacement and new guest bedroom balconies/balcony terraces to the existing east bedroom wing' at the McDonald Leeming House Hotel in Watermillock, Ullswater.

The McDonald group described the property as one of the 'most sought after four-star hotels for romantic breaks and nature-inspired getaways'.

The hotel currently has 40 hotel guest rooms, together with ancillary hotel facilities such as library and lounge/reading rooms, restaurant and a small bar.

The group say that the upgrade plans for the hotel will provide 'improved guest facilities' at the 'well-established' venue and centralize guest facilities in the bar space at Leeming House.

A design and access statement supporting the application said: "With the provision of the larger balcony terraces the hotel is providing additional upgraded and improved facilities to offer guests and visitors to the hotel."

The hotel was first constructed as a private residence in 1811, with the conversion of the property converted to a luxury hotel in the 1960s.

In a design and access statement supporting the application, the applicant said: "Leeming House was originally constructed circa 1811 as a private residence, set in 22 acres of natural and landscaped grounds, with a boathouse (no longer existing) on the lakeshore.

"In the grounds are outbuildings, originally used for staff, stabling, and general storage.

"Subsequently, the house was sold and converted to a luxury hotel in 1969."

The plans have been lodged with the Lake District Planning Authority on September, 10 and will now undergo a consideration period from the authority.