Plans to make improvements at Grade I listed Prior Park Landscape Garden in Bath have this week received the green light.
The gardens at Ralph Allen Drive have been owned and managed by the National Trust (NT) since 1993.
They formerly belonged to Prior Park Mansion, built by Ralph Allen in the 1730s and 1740s, and were altered in the late 18th century by Capability Brown.
During the NT’s restoration project of the 18th-century dams at the gardens, it was not possible to operate the tea shed near the lake, so a temporary facility was installed at the top of the park.
The old timber tea shed and storage sheds near the lake are said to be no longer fit for purpose so with the dams project practically complete, the NT applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council to make improvements.
The replacement tea shed near the lake will also be a ticket outlet, meaning the timber hut beside the Fishponds Cottage gate can be removed.
The proposals also include improving visitor facilities at the Church Lane gate for pedestrians and cyclists.
The NT says the Church Lane entrance is likely to become more frequently used by visitors in the future with an increase in healthy walking and cycling routes being promoted in Bath.
Once at the gateway, visitors will be directed towards the replacement tea shed, where they will be able to purchase tickets to enter the park, as well as refreshments.
The plans received four objections from neighbours who highlighted concerns about the traffic impact on Church Lane and the impact of increased levels of visitors, as well as noise from construction works.
The application received one comment of support from the Widcombe Association, Bath’s largest residents’ association, which said that the scheme would reopen access at the lower part of the gardens, making them more accessible from Widcombe and the city.
It is hoped the new tea shed will be ready in time for this summer.