Interested in advertising with us?

Advertise with us

Thank you for your interest in this story

To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week

    Already a subscriber? Log in here.

    23

    Nov 2022

    Last Updated: 22/11/2022
    Environment
    Environment

    Listed building in Harrogate could be converted to flats

    by John Plummer

    | 23 Nov, 2022
    Comment

    0

    Five-storey Mercer House towers over the adjoining Mercer Art Gallery in the Harrogate Conservation Area on Swan Road.

    img_7014

    Plans have been submitted to convert the upper floors of a Grade II listed building in Harrogate into flats.

    Five-storey Mercer House towers above the adjoining Mercer Art Gallery in the Harrogate Conservation Area on Swan Road.

    Colston Trustees Limited have applied to Harrogate Borough Council to change the use of the site from offices to residential and create two flats.

    According to planning documents submitted to the council, the office space has been redundant for over a year, which could leave the building susceptible to water ingress.

    The ground floor and basement of Mercer House are occupied by Paul Lown-owned clothing store Prey Four and are not included in the plans.

    Mercer House is historically and architecturally significant due to its gable-fronted, white and blue appearance.



    Read more:






    The application seeks to insert new doors, rooflights and an enlarged window. A design and access statement submitted as part of the proposal, says:

    "Given the minor internal and external changes required to facilitate residential conversion at Mercer House, and the benefit to the long-term care and maintenance of having the upper floors in active use, this less than substantial harm is outweighed."


    It adds:

    "The works, on balance, will both preserve and enhance the historic and architectural interests of Mercer House and special character of the Harrogate Conservation Area."