Plans to extend historic pub divide town’s residents

The Monks Walk, on Highgate, is a Grade II listed building, surrounded by other listed buildings, in what is the historic core of the town. Its owners want to add extensions and make internal alterations to create eight guest bedrooms, a self-contained suite with two bedrooms, and larger restaurant facilities.

The parish council is objecting, saying the number of rooms is excessive, and seven residents on Eastgate and Highgate have also put in objections. The Georgian Society for East Yorkshire says the extensions are an “overdevelopment”.

However others, including the Beverley and District Civic Society, have applauded a scheme which they say will breathe new life into the building. English Heritage also welcomes the proposals “for the repair and rehabilitation of this important historic building complex”.

The applicants say the income will help keep the building in good repair and enhance the local tourist industry.

The pub, formerly the George and Dragon Inn, dates back to before the 17th century. The “George in Highgate” was first mentioned in 1686. Said to be one of the most important vernacular buildings in the town, its brick facades – themselves several centuries old – contain early mediaeval timber framing. Planning officials at East Riding Council are recommending approval for the scheme at a meeting on Monday, saying the new use “could provide security for the future maintenance of the building”.