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28

Jul 2022

Last Updated: 27/07/2022
Environment
Environment

Developer withdraws Harrogate office block flats plan

by Calvin Robinson

| 28 Jul, 2022
Comment

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Developers have withdrawn plans to convert Simpson House in Harrogate into flats. It follows concern from council officers over neighbouring trees.

clarencedrive
A visual of how the flats (centre) would look at Simpson House, off Clarence Drive.

Developers have withdrawn plans to convert Simpson House in Harrogate into flats.

Artium Group had submitted the proposal to Harrogate Borough Council to convert some of the offices off Clarence Drive.

It would have seen seven flats created at the vacant office block.

The developer had also planned to use the current 14 car parking spaces and create storage for seven bicycles.

However, the proposal has now been withdrawn.



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It comes as a council officer raised concern over the viability of the plan.

Alan Gilleard, the borough council’s arboricultural manager, raised concern that the change of use of the building would impact on neighbouring trees which are protected by a tree preservation order.

In response to the application, he said:

“Change of use to residential is highly problematic in arboricultural terms. I cannot recall the LPA supporting a residential application that includes allowing development into the canopy spread of large, maturing trees. 
“Planning by definition includes forecasting, predicting and foreseeing future conflicts and removing/reducing.
“Where this cannot be achieved can clash with the planning balance such that if the application were approved the challenges for the future outlined accordingly.”


Harrogate Civic Society said in a letter that it agreed with the council officer’s comments.