Two fire crews from Ripon and one from Boroughbridge rushed to Ripon city centre last night following reports of smoke in a launderette.
After being summoned at about 7.20pm, they extinguished a fire that had spread to a number of commercial washers and dryers.
Firefighters used breathing apparatus and a thermal imaging camera to tackle the blaze.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s incident log said:
“Crews then ventilated the heavily smoked logged building and gave advice to the owner.
“The cause of the fire was accidental.”
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Takeaway plan for former launderette on Starbeck High Street
A new takeaway could open on Starbeck High Street if planning permission is granted to convert a former launderette.
The premises at 47 High Street had been a launderette since the 1980s before being used as an off licence and a clothes shop in recent years.
A new application by owner Mark Leicester could see it changed to a takeaway.
Planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council said:
“The applicant, Mr M Leicester is the owner of numbers 41 to 47 High Street, Starbeck. These properties are retail units with residential accommodation above.
“The only changes to the property resulting from the proposal are internal and in themselves do not require planning permission. It is simply the changing of the use of the floorspace that is proposed.”
The application has had a mixed reception from Starbeck Residents’ Association. The group said local residents do not want empty premises, but they are also keen to have a more diverse range of shops.
A spokesperson said:
“In particular, it would be great to see a greengrocer selling fresh fruit and vegetables.
“We recognise however, that we cannot change the planning system, nor force particular businesses to move to our area. That’s why we consistently promote the fact that Starbeck is a wonderful area and a great place to do business.
“The Starbeck Residents’ Association is also working to see what else we can do to encourage a wider range of businesses to our area.”
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In early 2018, the shop began to be used as an off licence. Four members of the public objected to a retrospective application for the change of use as well as the retention of roller shutters and shop frontage.
The council’s planning officer found the roller shutters were out of keeping with the conservation area and were visually intrusive, and the application was declined.
A request to retain two illuminated signs outside the premises was also refused.