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16
Mar
New plans submitted to demolish historic Harrogate almshouses
A developer has amended plans to demolish historic almshouses in Harrogate to make way for flats.
Harrogate Housing Association has proposed demolishing the property known as Applegarth Homes and replacing it with affordable flats for people aged over-55.
The charity, which has owned the almshouses since October 2017, said the current site on Knaresborough Road was “no longer fit for purpose”.
In its original proposals, the developer planned to demolish the almshouses and build 20 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom flats at the site.
However, Harrogate Town Council objected to the plan on the grounds that there would not be enough parking and the potential loss of a heritage site.
Designs for the affordable flats on Knaresborough Road.
Henry Pankurst, of Harrogate Civic Society, added in a letter to the council that the building — which dates back to 1939 — was of interest and attractive “in its own right”.
Fresh proposals
Harrogate Town Council and Harrogate Civic Society were both consulted on the plans by North Yorkshire Council, which as the local planning authority will determine the application.
In fresh plans submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the developer has reduced the number of flats at the site to 20.
The amended scheme would see 14 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom flats built and the number of car parking spaces increased from 10 to 20.
The developer said it made the changes after listening to "initial feedback” from the council’s planning department.
In its proposals, it said:
The aim of the proposed development is to redevelop a site, containing a building which is no longer fit for modern day living in terms of condition and space standards, to create good quality affordable homes in this sustainable location.
The site is well positioned in terms of amenities and access to public transport into Harrogate centre and towns further afield and will easily support this proposed development.
North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
The almshouses, which consist of 10 flats, were built by Miss Jane Birdsall Walker in memory of her parents.
She maintained the property up until her death 1962 when the Applegarth Homes Almshouse charity was established by her will.
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