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21
Aug
Town council objects to plans for new hotel in Harrogate
Harrogate Town Council has objected to plans to create a new hotel in the town.
Thirsk-based Comfy Nooks Ltd wants to convert the former Dragon Parade clinic into an 18-bed ‘boutique’ hotel.
It has applied to North Yorkshire Council for permission to change the use of the four-storey building close to Asda.
Last night (August 19) Harrogate Town Council’s planning and regulatory committee agreed to submit an objection to North Yorkshire Council, which has the final say.
Planning permission was granted last year to change the building’s use into three flats.
Now a separate change of use application has been lodged.
Cllr Elizabeth Jackson, a Conservative who represents Oatlands, said she was “deeply suspicious” that a second change of use application had now been brought forward so soon.
She added:
It’s also an area with quite high antisocial behaviour — it doesn’t seem particularly sensible to put 18 or 36 visitors in that particular area. There is absolutely no need for another hotel in Harrogate.
Councillors agreed to object on the grounds that the town had a greater need for residential accommodation than hotel rooms.
Councillor Graham Dixon, a Liberal Democrat who represents Harlow, said data indicated the uptake of beds in Harrogate hotels peaked at about 85%, adding:
“I just don’t think Harrogate needs any more hotels. It doesn’t seem necessary to have a boutique hotel or any other hotel when there is the option there to give more residential accommodation in town”.
A design and access statement by Pyramid Architectural Design on behalf of the applicants said the scheme would provide “a sensitive and sustainable reuse of an existing building”.
It added the proposal “provides high-quality visitor accommodation in a sustainable location” and “supports Harrogate's economy and visitor offer”.
The property, at 2 Dragon Parade, was until recently used as a supported living service for adults with autism or learning disabilities.
It would not have a lounge or bar and would be run largely remotely if the latest change of use plans are approved. A 24/7 duty manager based in Stockton-on-Tees and Redcar would provide “guest support and emergency response”.
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