Seafront's ex-hospital set for flats approval

St Thomas Hospital is a Grade II listed building which occupies a key position in the Conservation Area on the resort's main seafront overlooking the South Bay beach, the pier and the harbour buildings.

Dating from the middle of the 19th century, the former hospital is regarded as an eye-catching Victorian building, which is three storeys high with tall arched windows and two projecting front gables flanking long cast iron balconies.

A scheme by developers to create two apartments in the roof space of the former hospital was given a lukewarm response by officials from English Heritage.

However, an amended scheme is now due to be given planning approval on Thursday.

Scarborough Council head of planning Jill Low said: "English Heritage was concerned about the impact of the original scheme on the roof of St Thomas Hospital given that a large area of flat roof was proposed."

But after discussions with the applicant and its agent, the heritage watchdog decided not to get involved. English Heritage said: "We do not wish to comment in detail, but in light of the amended scheme, English Heritage is now content to leave this matter for...the local planning authority."