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.”
Conversion of former Ripon pub to new homes moves a step closer
The conversion of a famous former Ripon pub into flats as part of a new housing development is moving a step closer.
In October 2021 Harrogate Borough Council granted planning permission to convert the Ship Inn on Bondgate into five two-bedroom flats.
The vacant site has attracted various incidents of anti-social behaviour since the pub closed in 2020.
The new development will see the construction of four terraced houses and a detached dwelling on the site.
Original proposals to redevelop the site, which include the creation of 14 parking spaces, were submitted by Leeds-based NRG Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd.
Now Sharow-based firm Watson Batty Properties LLP has applied to the council to vary the planning conditions to allow for the external use of brick and render in the development.
Planning documents submitted to the council say the development should begin on or before October 13, 2024.
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At the time of submitting the planning application NRG Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd. 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.”
Four traditional pubs to visit in the Harrogate district
A new generation of drinkers are being drawn to craft beer and cocktail bars, sparking a decline in traditional pubs.
And while many of us love a good Negroni or an IPA, you can’t beat a good old fashioned British boozer.
Fortunately we are still blessed’ with some excellent ones in the Harrogate district.
We asked our readers for their favourites. Here are four of them:
Reputedly, the oldest pub in Harrogate has a history going back to the earliest days of the town’s emergence as a leading spa resort.
Originating as one of the first inns for spa visitors after sulphur wells were first established in the mid-18th century, sulphur springs still flow beneath the cellar and the distinctive odours occasionally percolate up to the bar area.
The premises were rebuilt circa 1827 and known as The Promenade Inn. At this time it was said to be a most successful coaching inn. It was enlarged in 1856 and known as Hodgson’s until 1882, when William Hales became the landlord.
The interior decor is reflective of the pub’s long history, with mirrors and fittings from the Victorian era, including traditional gas lighting and cigar lighters.
Stray Ferret reader Richard Dunston Brady said:
“Hales, is the best traditional pub for charm, atmosphere, friendly staff and a well pulled pint.”
Hales Bar, 1-3 Crescent Road, Harrogate, HG1 2RS
The Mother Shipton Inn has stood beside the Low Bridge of Knaresborough for centuries.
Nestled amongst ancient trees and the River Nidd, this sixteenth century coaching Inn has survived with its full character intact, boasting warm fires, quirky rooms and eclectic furniture. The hanging baskets on the pub’s exterior are also impressive.
Take in the surroundings of this olde worlde gem with a pint of real ale or locally-sourced home-cooked food.
Visitors to the pub praise the friendly staff and riverside setting.
Mother Shipton’s Inn, Low Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8HZ
51 Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LQ
The Ship Inn, Aldborough, near Boroughbridge
The historic building dates back to 1340 and goes back several centuries as an inn.
It was almost certainly known as the Ship in the 17th century, as there is a token copper coin in existence, dated 1671, which shows a ship in full sale with the inscription “John Briggs in Aldborough his half penny”.
Brian Rey and Elaine Howden, the owners of The Ship Inn, have been restoring the pub since January following a fire. They have served many high-profile guests, including Prince William and Harry.
The traditional country pub in the Roman town of Aldborough is well-known for Brian’s Yorkshire puddings and ‘real gravy’.
Low Rd, Aldborough, YO51 9ER
Former Ripon pub to be converted into apartmentsA former Ripon pub is to be converted into apartments.
The proposals, submitted by Leeds-based NRG Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd, will see the former Ship Inn, in Bondgate, converted into five apartments with car parking.
The plan will also see a further five homes built next to the former public house.
Harrogate Borough Council has given the go-ahead for the development.
As part of the proposal, five two-bed apartments, two three-bed houses and two two-bedroom homes will be built.
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Fourteen car parking spaces will also be provided.
The developer said in documents submitted to the council that the new homes will help to benefit “local enterprises in Ripon”.
It 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.”
Police arrest fifth man in connection with Ripon knifepoint robberyPolice have arrested a fifth man after a teenager was threatened with a knife and robbed outside a pub in Ripon.
North Yorkshire Police said in a statement yesterday that the incident happened outside the Ship Inn on Bondgate at 6.45pm on Friday (August 13).
Police arrested four men after a teenage boy had personal possessions stolen, including a watch and an item of jewellery, after he was threatened at knifepoint. No injuries were reported.
Now, officers have said a fifth man in his 20s has been arrested in connection with the incident.
A police statement said yesterday:
“Police responded and launched an immediate investigation, which resulted in four males, aged 14 to 20, being arrested in connection with the incident.
“They have been released on bail pending further investigation.
“Officers made enquiries in the surrounding area but are urging people to come forward if they have information which they have not yet shared.
“Please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1 and quote reference 12210180615.”
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Sunday roast returns to district’s village pubsYesterday saw the return of a much-loved Sunday roast as pub owners across the district welcomed back familiar faces.
Despite only serving half the number of customers they usually would, village pubs tried to make the experience “as normal as possible.”
The Ship Inn in Aldborough served fifty Sunday lunches compared with its usual one hundred before lockdown. Brian Rey, chef and license holder for the pub told The Stray Ferret:
“We’ve tried to make the place just as it was without people realising the changes we’ve made.”
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Customers enjoyed tucking into their roast beef and Yorkshire puddings. Jean and Malcolm Rawlinson, who travelled all the way from Lancaster for their lunch said:
“We couldn’t wait to come back here. We have travelled sixty-three miles to get here, we come every Sunday because the food is fabulous.”
Malcolm enjoyed tucking into his long awaited roast.
Despite seeing lots of drinkers in the beer garden, The Royal Oak in Staveley saw a significant decrease in the number of lunches served. Landlady Catherine Audsley said:
“I think a lot of people are still nervous to come out. We just need people to be comfortable and confident to come out now, because if they don’t the country pub won’t survive.”
Catherine Audsley outside The Royal Oak in Staveley.
However, locals Stephen and Lesley Smith said they were happy to be out . Lesley said:
“We have waited a long time for this. I would normally be at home cooking the roast but we thought we would come out and enjoy a roast instead.”
Overall the opening of pubs, bars and restaurants across the district appears to have gone well, with the police noting no major incidents across the weekend.
