Plans have been put forward to convert part of a town centre estate agent’s office in Harrogate into a two-bedroom flat.
The premises on Albert Street is occupied by North Residential, previously Knight Frank, but under the proposals part of the first floor and all of the second floor would be changed to residential use.
The prior notification documents submitted to change the use of the premises state that other than a meeting room to the rear, the upper floors have been out of use for some time.
The application states:
“The upper floors of the premises were ceased to be part of the commercial use following the refurbishment of the building at the rear 18 months ago.
“The ground floor floorspace was considered more convenient and offered a high quality meeting room. Since that time, the first and second floors have remained vacant in excess of the three month requirement.”
Access to the upper floors is through the estate agency office on the ground floor. However, the proposals state that a separate application will be made to alter the access and provide a self-contained staircase to the flat.
The plans show it would have a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom on the first floor, with a second bedroom on the top floor.
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Supporting information submitted with the plans states:
“The proposed scheme looks to preserve and enhance the character of the conservation area through conversion of its first and loft floor, improving the amenity of the building and bringing the upper floors of the building back into use.”
North Residential began trading last month after a management buy-out of the Harrogate branch of Knight Frank, having been operating it in Harrogate for 15 years.
The business will continue in the ground floor of the Albert Street building, along with a first-floor meeting room to the rear.
To view or comment on the application, visit the planning section of Harrogate Borough Council’s website and use reference 22/03448/PCBSR.
