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20
Nov
New pub plans in Harrogate refused
Plans to convert a vacant unit into a bar on Harrogate’s Omega Street have been rejected.
Josh Molloy and Daniel Duckworth, who own Paradise Harrogate and Husk Beer Emporium and Bar respectively, submitted plans in September to convert the former GetiLashed salon unit into a pub selling food.
The unit, situated just metres from the site of the Little Wonder pub that closed around a decade ago, is vacant.
The proposal generated concerns over noise generated by “doors slamming and loud music”, limited parking and a potential increase in anti-social behaviour.
Mr Molloy and Mr Duckworth, who described themselves as “considerate, conscientious operators”, defended their proposal.
They told the Stray Ferret the “enhanced food provision” element of the plans would go no further than a pork pie or sandwich packaged off-site, and said their existing businesses “co-exist perfectly peacefully” with nearby residents.
“We’ve every intention to provide the same safe space for the patrons of our next project and their families”, Mr Molloy and Mr Duckworth added at the time.
However, North Yorkshire Council case officer Lisa Alder last week refused the plans, citing the potentially “unacceptable impacts” of noise and odour.
According to a council report, the application received 15 objections and nine expressions of support.
Objectors felt there were already “sufficient shops and takeaways” in the area.
They said the bar could impact older residents or families with young children, as well as schoolchildren potentially being exposed to “inappropriate behaviour”.
Environmental health also recommended the applicants submit a noise impact assessment, adding: "From that, it can be determined whether it is acceptable or not and if acceptable but with mitigation measures, what conditions should be applied to put such mitigation measures on a formal footing".
The proposed site layout for the bar. Credit: White Rose Architectural Ltd
But supporters welcomed the prospect of reviving the unit and creating jobs.
They said there is a lack of good quality food and drink venues in the area, and similar ventures across Harrogate have been successful.
Supporters added the pub would mitigate the loss of the former Little Wonder pub and would benefit local housing developments.
But the council report says whilst the principle of a bar at the Omega Street site can be supported, the potential harm to nearby residents and their living conditions outweigh the economic benefits of the application.
The report added:
Whilst it is appreciated that the applicant has presented their aspirations for the site, the intended sui generis use for a drinking establishment and enhanced food provision must be considered on its merits. In this instance there are concerns with regards to the activity which would be generated from the proposed change of use and the associated opening hours.
There is a lack of detail to fully assess the suitability of the proposal with a lack of noise assessment to determine the acceptability along with any reasonable mitigation measures.
Refusing the plans, the council said:
By virtue of the activity generated from proposed change of use and associated opening hours, the proposed drinking establishment with enhanced food provision would give rise to potential unacceptable impacts upon residential amenity across both noise and odour. Insufficient details have been provided to ensure that the proposal would not result in significant adverse impacts upon the amenity of neighbours along Omega Street and Ripon Road.
'The conversation is by no means closed'
The Stray Ferret contacted Mr Molloy, who previously issued a joint statement on behalf of the applicants, for comment.
We asked if he and Mr Duckworth planned to re-submit the application or look for an alternate venue.
Mr Molloy said:
We’d just like to express our gratitude to those who put in representations in support. We’d also thank Lisa for her thorough and balanced delegated planning report, which is available to view online now.
We’d stress that the application was refused stating "insufficient details have been provided to ensure that the proposal would not result in significant adverse impacts upon the amenity of neighbours along Omega Street and Ripon Road".
Environmental Health’s response gave indication of how we’d be able to provide that required detail, so the conversation is by no means closed at this point, we just need offer a little more reassurance.
Mr Molloy said he and Mr Duckworth are "both bar owners/operators in the truest sense" and their existing bars currently require their full attention.
"We'll each now likely spend six 60-hour weeks pulling pints for our fantastic community of regular customers. We’ll gather our thoughts and engage with environmental health and planning etc. as appropriate as soon as we’re able [to]", he added.
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