Plans have been lodged to create six new flats above the former Orvis store in Harrogate.

The proposal lodged by York-based Balance Planning Solution Ltd on behalf of Andrew Farrar would see the upper floors of the unit on West Park converted for housing.

Orvis closed its doors back in April after 25 years of trading in the town.

The plan would see part of the ground floor unit converted for access to the apartments, along with an entrance to the back of the building next to the Coach House flats on Robert Street.

It would see a mixture of one bedroom and two bedroom apartments created.

The developer said in documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council that the plan would not include any extension of the building.

It said:

“It is considered that the proposed scheme responds to the constraints of the site, planning policy constraints and its heritage context and should fall within the parameters of acceptable development.”

Harrogate Borough Council will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

Read more:

• Flaxby Park withdraws appeal over 350 eco lodges refusal
• BT plans three advertising screens in central Harrogate
• Harrogate council refuses James Street aparthotel plan

Harrogate food hall Weetons has launched a Christmas pop-up shop in Leeds city centre.

The store, in shopping centre Victoria Leeds, is filled with Yorkshire produce from across the region, alongside Weetons’ own private label range, including coffee, chutneys and gin.

Situated in Victoria Gate, the Weetons team said the location was a natural partner, sharing “an ethos of providing luxury, high-quality produce”.

Rob Coutts, managing director at Weetons, said:

“We are pleased to announce that our Leeds city centre pop-up shop is now open. It showcases our extremely popular hampers and gifts range, perfect when looking for the ‘hard to buy for’.

“Whether you want to fill your own hamper, and have it packed by one of the team, pre-order a gift delivery, or just select a few of your favourite bits to take away on the day, we’ve got everything you need.”

Jo Coburn, senior general manager at Victoria Leeds, said:

“We are delighted to welcome one of Yorkshire’s most treasured brands, Weetons, to Victoria Leeds.

“The new pop-up store in Victoria Gate is a fantastic addition to our collection of premium brands and lands with perfect timing for all those gift ideas during the exciting Christmas season.”

The Weetons pop-up will be aopen until Christmas.

Read more:

• Weetons invests in new interior
• Oliver Bonas set to open in Harrogate this week

A man will face trial at York Crown Court after allegedly carrying out a series of attacks in central Harrogate.

Vaughn Ellis, 40, of Grove Park Terrace in Harrogate, appeared at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court this morning facing six charges relating to incidents on April 19 this year.

He has been charged with two counts of assault by beating against two people in Oxford Terrace, as well as criminal damage to a door in the same location.

He also faced two charges of attempted robbery, to which he indicated not guilty pleas, on West Park, along with one count of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress, also on West Park.

Magistrates ordered that Mr Ellis be sent to York Crown Court for trial on all six counts. He was given a preliminary date of November 14, when he will be asked to enter formal pleas.

In the meantime, he was bailed and ordered not to make direct or indirect contact with any of the alleged victims.

Read more:

• Police confirm 39-year-old man arrested after West Park attempted robberies
• Harrogate district businesses ask police for help tackling anti-social behaviour

The car parks where you are most likely to be hit with a fine in the Harrogate district have been revealed.

New figures show a total of 3,934 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were handed out at the district’s council-owned car parks over a two-year period, with Ripon’s Market Place car park topping the charts.

The hotspot saw 559 poorly-parked motorists hit with PCNs, followed closely by Harrogate’s Montpellier Shoppers car park with 545.

Other popular locations which feature among the top 10 spots for tickets between September 2020 and August 2022 include Harrogate’s Odeon car park and West Park car park.

They are all owned by Harrogate Borough Council, which is responsible for off-street parking, while North Yorkshire County Council looks after on-street spaces.

A borough council spokesperson said:

“The majority of residents and visitors who use our car parks do so correctly and we’d like to thank them for doing so.

“However, some people don’t and as such may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.

“Parking enforcement is carried out to ensure compliance with parking restrictions and provide fairness for all customers.”

Read more:

• Firefighters and councillors make calls to improve Starbeck crossing
• Artificial intelligence to be used to improve winter travel on Harrogate district roads

A penalty charge notice is either £50 or £70, depending on the type of offence that has taken place.

If a car has been parked for longer than the time on its pay and display ticket, the charge is £50.

However, it is considered more serious if a car is parked where it shouldn’t be – such as in a loading bay when not loading or in a disabled bay without a blue badge – and the charge is £70.

The figures in full for the two-year period were:

• Market Place car park, Ripon – 559 PCNs
• Montpellier Shoppers car park, Harrogate – 545
• Odeon car park, Harrogate – 401
• West Park car park, Harrogate – 346
• Marshall Way car park, Ripon – 327
• Chapel Street/Fisher Street car park, Knaresborough – 292
• West Park multi storey car park, Harrogate – 258
• Cathedral car park, Ripon – 218
• Station Parade car park, Harrogate – 205
• Park View car park, Harrogate – 162
• Castle Yard car park, Knaresborough – 145
• Conyngham Hall car park, Knaresborough – 113
• York Place car park, Knaresborough – 83
• The Arcade car park, Ripon – 81
• St Marygate car park, Ripon – 58
• Southlands car park, Pateley Bridge – 48
• Victoria Grove car park, Ripon – 27
• Nidderdale Showground car park, Pateley Bridge – 26
• Waterside car park, Knaresborough – 16
• Blossomgate car park, Ripon – 10
• Victoria Grove coach park, Ripon – 6
• Nidd Walk car park, Pateley Bridge – 4
• Jubilee multi storey car park, Harrogate – 3
• Victoria multi storey car park, Harrogate – 1
• Dragon Road car park, Harrogate – 0
• Hornbeam Park car park, Harrogate – 0
• Park Road car park, Pateley Bridge – 0

Men’s fashion retailer Lynx launched in Harrogate almost 40 years ago and opened a shop on West Park in 2003.

Now, the independent business has rebranded and relocated to a state-of-art new premises on the town’s prestigious James Street.

The new larger store boasts two floors and has a new “sleek modernistic feel” – a change from the vintage look of the previous shop.

It is based in the former Hotel Chocolat unit, which moved to a larger site on the same street last October.

Lynx Menswear on James Street.

Owner Guy Hudson said:

“It is our time for change. With an increased young and vibrant team, I want to build on what has been achieved so successfully at our previous store on West Park.”

Read more:

• Revival for James Street as major brands set to open doors
• Oliver Bonas to open in Harrogate in September
• Harrogate’s James Street to get 17-bedroom aparthotel

Mr Hudson said James Street was the perfect location for the new store, thanks to a resurgence after the challenges of covid.

He added:

“Looking to build on the very positive response after the pessimism and lacklustre of lockdown, the regeneration of independent shops and top brand names on James Street is now at its pinnacle.

“What were empty shop units two years ago are now either under negotiation or full, with the likes of Pret a Manger and Oliver Bonas clearly believing that confidence in this iconic Harrogate high street is returning and we want to be part of it.

“We look forward to welcoming our valued loyal customers and new ones to our fresh look and location showcasing our individual European edit.”

The newly refurbished Coach and Horses on West Park in Harrogate opened its doors for the first time this evening.

The much loved traditional pub was bought last year by Provenance Inns, which promised to keep it true to its heritage.

Work to revamp the pub has been extensive: the once central bar has been moved to the back of the ground floor and there is a restaurant on the first floor. In total the pub can seat up to 100 diners and it employs 30 staff.

Staff prepare for the big opening party tonight.

The upstairs dining space and tables.

Read more:

• Coach and Horses in Harrogate gets green light to reopen
• Community order for former landlord who breached driving ban

The previous landlord, John Nelson is well-known in the Harrogate area — he was landlord for 33 years and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities.

The new owners want to keep the tradition of raising money for Martin House Hospice. There will be a monthly quiz on Sundays where proceeds will go to the charity and for every burger bought a pound will also be donated.

The Coach and Horses opens to the public tomorrow at 5pm. Normal opening hours are noon to 11pm Monday to Saturday, closing earlier at 10pm on a Sunday.

A historic Harrogate pub with a history dating as far back as 1830 is set to return this month after a two-year hiatus.

The Coach & Horses, well-known for its traditional charm, Sunday roasts and real ales, will reopen on Friday, July 22.

Provenance Inns, which owns the West Park Hotel on the same street, took over the pub in October last year.

It has been closed since May 2020 after previous landlord John Nelson had his licence revoked for breaching covid rules.

The refurbishment aims to add “a touch of modernity to the pub”, whilst paying homage to its heritage.

The first floor has been transformed into a dining room, which overlooks The Stray.

A gastropub-style menu will feature dishes including Doreen’s black pudding scotch eggs, beer battered fish and triple-cooked beef dripping chips, as well as a traditional Sunday roast.

Read more:

• Plan submitted to refurbish Harrogate’s Coach and Horses pub
• Coach and Horses set to reopen under new ownership
• Harrogate’s Coach & Horses pub ‘coming back soon’ as plans approved

The Coach and Horses burger will see £1 from each sale donated to Martin House children’s hospice, a charity relationship the new owners are keen to foster.

The pub will also offer a selection of pies, while an extensive range of local and international gins will complement a selection of cask ales.

Speaking ahead of the reopening, which will create 30 new jobs, operations manager Chris Cartledge said:

‘’As one of just a handful of Harrogate’s oldest surviving traditional pubs, it’s safe to say that anticipation for the return of the Coach & Horses has been high.

“We’re pleased to say that meticulous care and attention to detail has been taken to ensure the Coach is subtly modernised, whilst restoring original features, where possible, to their best.’

“The new first-floor dining room is the perfect spot to enjoy our hearty and traditional menu, whilst taking in the views of The Stray.

“Along with our fresh food and vast drinks range, we will also be carrying on the tradition of a regular quiz night and of course raffles, all in aid of local charities which we are keen to continue to support.

“We can’t wait to welcome our first guests into Harrogate’s original local pub.”

Antiques shops and dealers are being urged to be vigilant after an attempted burglary of a shop in Harrogate this week.

The shop at 27 West Park was targeted between 6pm on Tuesday and 6am on Wednesday this week, when a culprit or culprits attempted to enter via a side window but did not gain access.

A shop on Main Street in Hawes was also targeted in the early hours of today. Between 1.10am and 1.20am, a main broke into a shop on Main Street and stole items from inside.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“As a precaution, shops and businesses — particularly those dealing in antiques — are urged to be vigilant, and check their security measures. You can contact your local neighbourhood policing team for bespoke crime prevention advice.

“Officers are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the two incidents.

“In particular, we are appealing for residents and businesses to check any CCTV systems or doorbell cameras that may have captured footage of suspects or any vehicles driving away from the areas.”

Read more:

• Police warning after Land Rover thefts in Harrogate
• Burglars steal air rifles and pistol from Ripon shop

The suspect in the Hawes burglary is described as around 5ft 6ins to 5ft 7ins in height, of skinny build and wearing black clothing with a lower face covering. Police have not issued a description of a suspect in the Harrogate attempted burglary.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation at Harrogate can email ian.mason@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting reference number 12220079988.

For the Hawes investigation, email heather.campbell@northyorkshire.police.uk, quoting reference number 12220080576.

Alternatively, call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and speak to the force control room, giving the relevant reference number. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Drinkers will be able to finally reacquaint themselves with the Coach & Horses this summer after over two years.

Provenance Inns, which owns West Park Hotel on the same street, bought the pub in October last year.

It’s been closed since May 2020 after the previous landlord John Nelson had his licence revoked for breaching covid rules.

Provenance has been busy revamping the bar and kitchen area and reinstating the corner entrance.

The first floor is also being converted into a restaurant area along with staff accommodation and office space.

Read more:

• Harrogate council to move ‘eyesore’ £4,350 smart bins
• The quirky new Harrogate café where customers can cuddle chihuahuas

Scaffolding outside the building recently came down ahead of the Coach & Horses’ new era.

The company has designed a new logo for the pub but has promised to respect its long heritage with the refurbishment.

Provenance’s commercial manager Anthony Blundell said there is still work to do but he is hopeful the pub and restaurant will reopen in early July.

He said:

“Everyone is eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Coach and no one is more excited than us to get to know some of the previous patrons and, hopefully, some new ones too.”

Plans to increase outdoor dining space at West Park Hotel

Outdoor dining areas could be created in front of shops along West Park if plans by West Park Hotel are approved.

The owners of the hotel and restaurant have applied to place six tables and 19 chairs in front of 17a and 18 West Park, where Moda in Pelle and Georgie’s trade.

The furniture would only be used outside the shops’ opening hours, no later than 10pm, and would be in addition to the furniture already outside West Park Hotel itself.

As part of the application, the owners said:

“The outside dining does create a pleasant ambience and enhance the attractiveness of the street, thereby making a positive contribution to the vitality and vibrancy of the area…

“The portable barriers will prevent encroachment into this pedestrian space.

“The facilities for pedestrians are maintained. Additional outside dining serviced by the West Park Hotel will help meet the increased demand from customers concerned about, or with vulnerability to, Covid 19. Allowing access for all to outside dining in an attractive and serviced location.”

Full details of the proposal can be found via Harrogate Borough Council’s planning website, using reference 22/01593/FUL.

Director leaves accountancy firm to pursue financial coaching role

The founder of a Harrogate accountancy firm is stepping down in order to take on a new challenge.

Teresa Hitchens, pictured left, who founded CCF Accountancy in 2010, will be turning her hand to financial coaching, after building up her own company for more than a decade.

She said:

“This is all about helping people get their business and personal finances in order and using this as the base to help them get to the position they want to be in their business, either working smarter, working less, or exiting and doing something completely different.”

CCF Accountancy will continue trading under the direction of co-owner and operations director Kelly Chadwick, pictured right, and Andy Lock.

Read more:

• Free business group memberships available to Harrogate district SMEs
• Business Breakfast: Plans for new Yorkshire tourism body