Plans to convert ‘unviable’ pub near Pateley Bridge refusedPlans to convert an “unviable” 110-year-old former pub near Pateley Bridge into a holiday home have been refused.
The Birch Tree, at Lupton Bank in Glasshouses, closed in March 2020.
Planning permission was granted to convert the majority of the pub into three holiday flats while retaining a small public bar.
A subsequent application to convert the remaining pub into a two-bedroom cottage has now been refused.
Planning documents by Dacre Banks-based firm Yarntex Two said the building had attracted “no local interest or expressions of interest from further afield”.
They added:
“Sadly, there appears to be no viable future for the pub and provision of a further holiday cottage to supplement and enhance the others is surely the best option for the building.”
But North Yorkshire Council rejected the proposal this week.
The council said it was “not satisfied that the pub has been marketed at a suitable value”. Pateley Bridge Town Council had raised the same concern during the consultation period.
North Yorkshire Council’s decision report added:
“No details have been provided of the sales particulars, value it has been marketed at and original sale price. Additionally trading accounts, license details and opening hours have not been provided. Marketing of the pub has not continued for 12 consecutive months.”
It also said the interior of the pub had been stripped, which would “put off potential buyers” and no attempt had been made to market the pub for alternative community uses.
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Redevelopment work begins on site of famous former Ripon pub
Groundworks are underway at a Ripon development site where a famous former city pub will be converted into flats.
In October 2021 Harrogate Borough Council granted planning permission to Leeds-based NRG Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd. to convert the Ship Inn on Bondgate into five two-bedroom flats.
The new development will also include four terraced houses, a detached dwelling and 14 parking spaces.
The Ship Inn closed in 2020 and while vacant the site was the scene of a number of incidents of violent and anti-social behaviour.
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At the time of submitting the planning application NRG, said:
“The site is now better suited for residential use, which help bring a more appropriate residential feel for the community, limited to scale and type which does not cause nuisance.
“The provision of new residents will potentially have some benefit to local enterprises and will add to and consolidate the general activity of Ripon.”