Plans to convert an iconic Harrogate chapel into a company’s head office have been approved.

Dishang Cherry Ltd sought approval to change the use of The Chapel, on Grove Road, as well as listed building consent to make alterations to the 19th Century building.

The company, which submitted plans to North Yorkshire Council in July, proposed to convert the Grade-II listed building into an office with a showroom space, but planned to retain the bedrooms for staff use.

The Chinese manufacturing company, which is currently based in The Exchange on Station Parade, said the building would be used as its head office.

The existing building comprises six ensuite bedrooms; two separate bathrooms; two reception rooms; a vaulted drawing room; a dining room; an orangery and a library.

It also boasts a large entrance hall and a 50ft atrium, as well as a utility room and a plant room. 

But a report published by the council said the applicant “does not seek to alter external features or internal layout”.

Instead, alterations made to the building would be in relation to “implementing an office use” such as installing office equipment and desks, as well as laying cables, the report adds.

The proposals also included plans to erect a bike store.

A travel plan, submitted in support of the application, says the Harrogate office employs 12 members of staff – three of whom work a four-day week – and all work flexibly throughout the week.

The company’s office opening hours are 8am until 4pm, Monday to Thursday, it adds. 

Sale history

The move comes after Mark Hinchcliffe, owner of The Chapel, last year listed the building for sale at auction.

Mr Hinchcliffe bought the property in 2013 and initially lived there. He spent four years converting it into an eclectic bed and breakfast, which featured Channel 4’s The Restoration Man.

It was listed with property auctioneer, Allsop, with a guide price of £850,000-plus, after the price had been lowered twice in the years prior.

The building was originally listed for £1.5 million in 2020, before the asking price dropped to £1 million in April 2023.

However, The Chapel did not sell and remained vacant. According to the planning application, doors to the bed and breakfast closed in January this year. 

‘Optimum viable use for the building’

A letter submitted as part of the application by Leeds-based planning agent, Peacock and Smith, said several offers had been made to take on the property as a guest house or a residential home since 2020, but none were accepted.

More than 100,000 people have seen advertisements to run the site as a guest house, the letter says, but added the “substantial” media coverage suggests if somebody wanted to take on The Chapel they have had “plenty of opportunities over the past four years”.

The agent adds:

The Stray Ferret approached Mr Hinchcliffe about the plans. We asked if the approval means the building is finally sold, or if it will remain under his ownership.

We did not receive a response at the time of publication.

North Yorkshire Council approved both planning applications subject to conditions on Thursday (September 19).