Fresh plans have been lodged to convert a former working men’s club in Harrogate into five holiday lets.

The National Reserve Club, on East Parade, formally closed in July 2021 following a unanimous resolution by members. It was also known as ‘The Nash’.



The organisation had been registered as a working men’s club since July 11, 1913, when it was known as the Harrogate Battalion National Reserve of the West Riding of York Club.

Now, Quantum Development Properties Ltd, which is based in Yeadon in Leeds, has tabled plans to North Yorkshire Council to convert the former club into five holiday lets.

In documents submitted to the council, the developer said the site is ideally located for visitors as it is next to Harrogate Station and nearby car parks.

It added:

The move comes as previous plans to convert the National Reserve Club have been rejected by both council planners and the government.

In September 2022, Robert Walker, an inspector with the government’s Planning Inspectorate, rejected plans to convert the club into two flats on appeal.

Mr Walker said in a decision notice that there had not been “sufficient evidence provided to justify the permanent loss of the existing community facility”.

The appeal came after ID Planning, which submitted the plan on behalf of Ashleigh and Caroline Wells, challenged Harrogate Borough Council’s decision to reject the proposal on the grounds that there was insufficient evidence that the building could no longer be used as a community facility.

The Nash never reopened after the first covid lockdown in March 2020 and formally dissolved as a club in July 2021.

It had 28 members at the time of closing and donated its remaining cash to charity.

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the latest plans for the former club at a later date.