Yorkshire pub that ‘barely broke even’ before closure could be turned into flats
New plans to turn a North Yorkshire pub into flats have been submitted after previous proposals were refused by the council.
The Duchess pub at 152, Hovingham Drive, Scarborough, could be converted into three flats with two detached bungalows constructed nearby as part of a scheme by RPC Scarborough Ltd.
The outline application would see all matters reserved except access and layout for the site near Scarborough Hospital.
A statement submitted by the pub’s former landlord said they supported the conversion as “it is not commercially viable, and the local community do not view it as a significant community asset”.
They added: “The local community did not support the pub and did not appear to view the public house as a community asset in any significant way, and I have heard no significant negative comments following its closure.”
The former landlord also noted that the pub “barely broke even”.
Submitted plans state that the proposed development would retain the existing building’s scale and massing with no increase in building height.
“The existing two-storey form is retained; this ensures the development remains compatible with neighbouring residential properties.”
The applicant said that the conversion of the pub would have positive impacts, including a reduction in noise associated with pub operations, reduced evening and late-night activity, and added that the building would continue to be occupied and maintained.
Submitted plans also state that the proposed bungalow development would be located a “sufficient distance away from the Duchess building and adjacent housing”.
They add: “The proposed bungalow design is in response to the local context and is designed to reflect the scale, form, heights and layout arrangements of the existing buildings.”
North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the application which is currently open to representations from members of the public.