Our Planning Application is Now Live!
After months of community consultations, balance-sheet balancing, and careful design, we are thrilled to announce that the Yew Tree Hall Trustees have officially submitted applications for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent.
This project is the culmination of your feedback and our shared vision:
“To build upon Yew Tree Hall’s history and redevelop it to ensure it continues to provide a valuable, useable asset for the local community.”
Take a Look at the Plans
The full application (including detailed architectural drawings, floorplans, and even the necessary bat surveys) is now available to view on the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) planning portal. View the plans here.
We Need Your Voice
The LDNPA considers community views as part of its decision-making process. We have a 21-day window to show our support. If you want to see this vision become a reality, please take a moment to write in or respond online. Your opinion truly matters in helping us secure the hall's future.
How to support:
Use the portal link.
Send your comments to: Wayfaring House, Murley Moss Business Park, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, LA9 7RL.
You can also email planning@lakedistrict.gov.uk with your comment of support and make sure the subject of your email is 7/2026/2015.
What’s Changing?
The proposed improvements are designed to make the hall more accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone:
External platform lift, level flooring throughout (raising the main hall floor), and widened internal doors.
A new ground-floor accessible WC, a 1st-floor toilet block, and a large servery-style kitchen.
An airy entrance lobby with natural light from roof lights and direct access to the garden.
Solar panels on the rear elevation and much-improved heating and lighting.
Safe access via the gable end with a covered porch and re-rendering of the rear elevation.
What Happens Next?
If all goes well, we hope to secure permission by mid-April. Once that's in place, the real work begins:
We will begin applying for the funding needed to bring these plans to life.
Cost estimates will be firmed up, and we’ll map out the build based on donations and grants received.
We are currently looking for creative ways to create a permanent record within the hall to recognise those who have donated.
Join a Project Team!
We want this hall to be "by the village, for the village." We are looking for volunteers to join small project teams to help with the detailed design of:
Kitchen & Lighting
Interior Decoration
Garden Design
Audio/Visual Systems
Want to help? Please send us an email at ythlorton@gmail.com and let us know which team you'd like to join.