Lake District village Grasmere divided over kebab shop plans

The idyllic Lake District village of Grasmere was once the home of poet William Wordsworth and now attracts flocks of tourists every year. While traditional pub grub or afternoon teas might usually be on the menu, there are now plans for a kebab shop – and they have split the village.

Shwan Khder submitted proposals for a takeaway in Grasmere in May, citing the need for more food options in the village.

They were rejected by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), but he has not given up hope.

“Grasmere is a beautiful place but it doesn’t have a takeaway,” he said. “I was a bit disappointed, but I respect the planning authority.”

Set against a backdrop of fells and mountains, Grasmere is well known for being the home of romantic poet Wordsworth.

He arrived there in 1799 to live with his sister Dorothy in a cottage on the edge of the village.

It is now a museum known as Dove Cottage and was described by the poet as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”.

He is buried in St Oswald’s churchyard, with tourists visiting there to pay their respects.