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10
Sept
Council issues verdict on Knaresborough auction house conversion
Plans to convert a former Knaresborough auction house into flats have been approved.
Wetherby-based ATK Building Solutions Ltd lodged plans to convert the former Thornton & Linley Auctioneers site on Jockey Lane in February.
The applicant originally wanted to develop three flats at the site but withdrew the proposal in April.
However, after re-submitting similar plans in June – this time seeking approval to convert the building into two flats – the application was successful.
The flats will complement an existing flat at the site, which is now vacant after most recently being used as an auctioneer's salesroom and office.
The building is considered to be in good condition and suitable for conversion, but the existing stone boundary wall to the south of the site is "leaning" and the external staircase is also in "poor condition".
According to planning documents, existing outbuildings to the south of the site will be removed and the stone boundary wall will be reconstructed.
ATK Building Solutions Ltd is set to replace the external staircase, create three French or Juliette balconies and install a new timber portico at the existing ground floor entrance.
Plans add:
The existing vertical sliding sash windows facing Jockey Lane will be refurbished or replaced with copies, the second-floor windows facing Jockey Lane will be replaced with matching vertical sliding sash windows and the asbestos cement sheets on the existing lean-to extension will be replaced with Welsh slates.
No other external alterations are proposed, the original plan form and roof remain as existing.
Summarising the proposal, a planning document says the “ideal way of securing the future of historic buildings is to keep them in active use, but this will often necessitate some degree of adaptation”.
Knaresborough Town Council had no objections to the plans, but asked that consideration is given to an existing café on Jockey Lane to “ensure people are aware it is open during any ongoing works”.
Three existing parking spaces at the site will be retained, and three cycle spaces will be created.
North Yorkshire Council approved the application on Monday (September 8).
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