A fresh plan to convert a former Harrogate working men’s club into flats has been refused.

The National Reserve Club, on East Parade, formally closed in July 2022 following a unanimous resolution from its members in August 2021. It was also known as ‘The Nash’.

Townscape Architects Limited lodged proposals to convert the former club into two new flats in November last year.

The proposal, which was submitted on behalf of Ashleigh and Caroline Wells, would have seen a two-bedroom and three-bedroom property created on the site.

In their application, the developers said the scheme would provide a viable use for the building. They added that the site had been “under-utilised” since its closure and was of “no commercial interest for future tenants”.

However, North Yorkshire Council refused the proposal on the grounds that the scheme would see the loss of a community facility.

In a decision notice published on Monday, the council said:

The decision is the second time that a plan to convert the former National Reserve Club has been refused.

The former Harrogate Borough Council rejected a similar scheme in May 2022, which was taken to appeal by the developer.

The council said in its refusal that the owner had not been able to prove that it was no longer viable as a community facility before submitting planning permission.

In August 2022, the government’s Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal from the developer on the grounds that it would conflict with the council’s development plan.

The inspector also concluded that there had not been “sufficient evidence” to justify the loss of the club as a community facility.

The National Reserve Club 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.

A formal resolution was passed by members in October 2020 to dissolve the club. It formally closed in July 2022.

The club, which had 28 members at the time of closing, donated its remaining cash to charity.