Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
09
Jul 2024
Ripon Civic Society urges a speedy decision on Spa Baths plans
Heritage watchdog Ripon Civic Society is urging North Yorkshire Council planners to reach a speedy and positive decision on plans designed to rejuvenate the city’s iconic Spa Baths.
Ripon-based Sterne Properties Limited is seeking planning approval for a mixed-use hospitality-led scheme.
If approved, it would see the restoration of the spa building, which includes ornate tiles, stained glass, period lighting and other features dating back to when it first opened in 1905.
The society, which has previously stated its strong support for the proposals, said in a letter to the council’s planning department:
A decision is needed as soon as possible in view of the deterioration of the building and the possibility that the applicants could pull out if it is delayed further and hand the problem back to the council, with all the delays and dangers that brings.
The society’s letter came as part of the consultation for the revised planning application submitted by Sterne in June.
The amended plans include a 600 sq ft reduction in the floorspace of a new-build block of four two-bedroom apartments at the rear of the Park Street site, along with a lowering of ridge heights.
The society said it very much supports the scheme, which proposes to conserve and provide new uses for an important historic building in the city. It added:
Overall, it is a sensitive approach with historic structures cleansed of later inferior additions (including the 1936 pool) and with new-build done in an unashamedly modern but complementary style and materials.
We also accept the need for the residential development as enabling development to make the scheme viable.
We continue to give this scheme our strong support as being the best chance of allowing the site to survive. We would urge a speedy grant of Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent to allow work to begin as soon as possible.
Earlier this month, the Stray Ferret reported that Sterne Properties Limited hopes that their plans for regeneration of Spa Baths will be considered at the August 6 meeting of the Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Planning Committee.
0