Plans have been approved to convert part of the former 53 Bo Grove antiques boutique and cafe into two flats.
The bohemian business on Grove Road in Harrogate closed in December 2021 after more than two years of business.
It became a hub for residents during the early coronavirus lockdowns by remaining open to sell food at a time when many supermarkets were struggling for stock.
Now, a plan to convert part of the building into two flats has been given the go-ahead.
The proposal has been lodged by Architecture One Eight Ltd on behalf of David Birtles.
A planning statement tabled to Harrogate Borough Council from the developers said the proposal would help to bring the building back into use.
It said:
“The existing buildings have fallen into disrepair and are having a negative impact on the adjacent conservation area.”
A separate proposal to convert another part of the building into three flats was refused over concerns that the scheme “would not provide adequate natural light” into rooms in the flats.
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Plan to convert 53 Bo Grove into flats
Plans have been tabled to convert the site of the former 53 Bo Grove antiques emporium and cafe into five flats.
The bohemian business on Grove Road in Harrogate closed in December 2021 after more than two years of business.
It became a hub for residents during the early coronavirus lockdowns by remaining open to sell food at a time when many supermarkets were struggling for stock.
Kyrensa Bentley, who set up 53 Bo Grove.
Now plans have been submitted to Harrogate Borough Council to convert the site, which consists of two buildings and a car park, into flats.
The proposal has been lodged by Architecture One Eight Ltd on behalf of David Birtles.
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All of the apartments proposed would be two-bedrooms.
A planning statement from the developers said the proposal would help to bring the building back into use.
It said:
“The existing buildings have fallen into disrepair and are having a negative impact on the adjacent conservation area.”
Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.
Harrogate’s quirky 53 Bo Grove closesA bohemian Harrogate cafe, antiques and garden centre has closed after more than two years of business.
53 Bo Grove, on Grove Road, just off Kings Road, caught the eye of passers-by with its front yard filled with antiques and salvaged items.
The business became a vital hub for residents during the early coronavirus lockdowns by remaining open to sell food at a time when many supermarkets were struggling for stock.
Over the last year, the Stray Ferret has reported owner Kyrensa Bentley’s attempts to improve business by opening a pancake shack and a farm shop on site.
Bo Grove at Oxford Street.
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Ms Bentley, who opened the business in September 2019, told the Stray Ferret she made the decision to close after struggling on a number of fronts:
“I am sad to have to close but it was a difficult location.
“I struggled with Harrogate Borough Council, coronavirus has also had an impact and we were short on staff in the kitchen.
“However, I now have a business on Oxford Street, which I can completely focus on. I have also had the chance to go back to my roots more and get some great antique finds for that shop.”
Ms Bentley opened Bo Grove at Oxford Street in November 2020. It currently sells an eclectic mix of interiors, antiques and furniture and she plans to open a cafe on the site soon.