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16
Aug 2021
Starbeck councillor calls for demolition of former McColl's building
A councillor has called for the demolition of an "eyesore" building on Starbeck High Street, so plans to replace it with new retail and housing units can finally move forward.
A fire ripped through McColl’s supermarket in July 2018, but more than three years later, the Victorian-era building is still a burned-out shell with much of its roof missing.
Liberal Democrat councillor for Starbeck, Philip Broadbank, has called on the owners of the building to move forward with a plan to demolish the former supermarket and build a retail unit and one and two-bedroom apartments in its place.
He called the lack of progress on the building "very disappointing and frustrating".
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Bates and Hemborough, who own the site, have created computer-generated images of their proposed development, which would see the original structure demolished. However, they are yet to submit a formal planning application.
Pre-application discussions between the owners and Harrogate Borough Council planning officers have focused on whether the existing building, which is not listed, can be retained and refurbished.
Cllr Broadbank said it's time to "start afresh" with a brand new building.
He said:
Andrew Hart, who owns the Post Office opposite the former McColl's building and recently set up Starbeck Community Group, said he would support the owner's proposals with "some adaptations".
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