Rooftop lounge with Lincoln Cathedral views refused by City of Lincoln Council over fears of 'permanent damage'

A rooftop terrace which promised to offer stunning views of Lincoln Cathedral has been refused over fears it would ruin the area’s atmosphere.

The White Hart hotel submitted the plans for its fourth-storey roof after an almost identical application was refused in January.

Users would have been treated to panoramic views of the cathedral’s west face, Lincoln Castle and Bailgate area.

However, City of Lincoln Council’s planning committee refused it, with one councillor comparing it to a “glowing box” in the sky which would ruin the area’s tranquillity.

The owner promised to open it to the public for an hour ten days a month to overcome councillors’ objections.

Up to 60 people and 28 chairs would have been permitted on it at once, with 1.5-metre-high frosted glass walls.

Despite backing from business groups, councillors sided with concerns from heritage bodies.

Find out about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal

Liberal Democrat Martin Christopher said it “could inflict permanent damage to this profound historic space”.

He said: “The tranquil silence you can find here at night is a wonderful thing, and the idea of 60 people revelling overhead worries me.

“Great care has been taken to preserve the heritage over commercial interests — if we say yes now, how do we say no to others in future?

“I worry that at night, it will be a glowing square box in the heart of the city.”

Labour’s Bob Bushell said: “A glass box with people milling around will detract from the cathedral view, rather than enhancing it.”

Chris Burke, also Labour, was one of two to vote in favour of the plan.

“I’m in favour of innovation and growth, and the cathedral and business interests are both in favour of it,” he told the committee.

“Profit isn’t a dirty word, and this is something that would help a business become more successful.”

Lincoln BIG (Business Improvement Group) and the University of Lincoln have expressed support for the application.

Independent Biff Bean, who isn’t on the committee, said the terrace would “benefit locals and tourists for many years to come”.

He added: “You currently have to pay for the castle walls — you would get a better view for free at the White Hart.”

James Rigby, representing the White Hart, said it would offer the “wow factor” and draw more investment into the city.

The application was rejected by seven votes to two.

The White Hart has appealed the original application, which is currently being reviewed by the government’s Planning Inspectorate.