Central Harrogate hotel to be turned into aparthotel by developerGovernment approves Harrogate aparthotel plan

The government has approved a plan to convert the upper floors of a Harrogate town centre building into an aparthotel.

Leeds-based Countrylarge tabled the proposal to create the 17-bedroom scheme on the floors above the Oliver Bonas store on James Street.

Aparthotels are serviced apartments with a hotel-style booking system. London-based operator, Beyond, was brought in to run the aparthotel.

However, in November 2022, Harrogate Borough Council rejected the plan on the grounds that the scheme would “not enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area”.

The developer took the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.

Now, Graham Wraight, planning inspector, has given the proposal the go-ahead.

In a decision notice, Mr Wraight said the development would provide “acceptable living conditions” should restrictions be made on length of stay — contrary to the council’s reasons for refusal.

He said:

“There would be some benefit in this flexibility in terms of providing a supply of such accommodation. As a whole and in the specific circumstances of this appeal case that I have outlined, a restriction of 90 days strikes an appropriate balance.

“I therefore conclude that, subject to a restriction on the length of stays to a maximum of 90 days, the proposed development would provide acceptable living conditions for the future occupants of the aparthotel.”

Read more:

 

Developer appeals Harrogate aparthotel plan refusal

A developer has challenged a decision to refuse plans to convert the upper floors of a Harrogate town centre building into an aparthotel.

Leeds-based Countrylarge tabled the proposal to create the 17-bedroom scheme on the floors above the Oliver Bonas store on James Street.

Aparthotels are serviced apartments with a hotel-style booking system. London-based operator, Beyond, was brought in to run to the aparthotel, if the plans were approved.

However, in November 2022, Harrogate Borough Council rejected the plan on the grounds that the scheme would “not enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area”.

The developer has since taken the decision to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, which deals with planning disputes.

In documents submitted to the body, the developer said the plan would not cause any harm to the existing buildings.

It said:

“The proposed additions respect the scale of the existing buildings on the site and the character of the other buildings in this part of the conservation area.

“It is therefore considered that the proposal will not cause any harm to the character and appearance of the existing buildings or the conservation area but will be an appropriate contemporary addition which will result in some enhancement to the character and appearance of the designated area.”

A government planning inspector will make a decision on the plan at a later date.

Read more:

 

Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments sold to new owner

The founder of Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments has sold the business to SJM Properties — the company which owns the building.

Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments provides 18 one-bedroom and two-bedroom serviced apartments on King’s Road, close to the town centre.

Andrew Armstrong has stepped down after 17 years of offering hotel alternatives in Harrogate to the public.

Jessica Lister, who was Mr Armstrong’s general manager, has been promoted to director under the new owners.

Mr Armstrong, who lives in Ilkey, said he felt it was time to spend more time with his wife Claire and his three children.

He and Ms Lister had worked together since 2011, when she became booking coordinator for 10 Harrogate holiday lets Mr Armstrong ran near Hales Bar.

Andrew Armstrong

Andrew Armstrong

Over time her role developed into sales, then marketing, followed by office manager and general manager.

Read more:

The two of them opened 18 luxury serviced apartments now known as Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments on King’s Road in 2017.

Ms Lister said:

“Starting up a new business and of course getting through a worldwide pandemic has been no means an easy ride.

“Like many business and households we’re sadly sure to be facing harder times ahead. Following two years of sustained recovery across the hotel sector, with the cost of living crisis, energy prices, staff shortages and other inflationary costs and a recession on the horizon we facing another challenging period ahead.

“But I am pleased to say we are a business who will always be committed to our wonderful guests that still need a place to stay in Harrogate North Yorkshire for work, for leisure and often somewhere to live between renting or buying a home in Harrogate.

“Our team remains optimistic and dedicated to making every visitors time in Harrogate a special one.”

 

 

 

 

Harrogate council refuses James Street aparthotel plan

Harrogate Borough Council has refused plans to convert the upper floors of a Harrogate town centre building into an aparthotel.

Leeds-based Countrylarge tabled the proposal to create the 17-bedroom scheme on the floors above the new Oliver Bonas store on James Street.

Aparthotels are serviced apartments with a hotel-style booking system. London-based operator, Beyond, was brought in to run to the aparthotel, if the plans were approved.

However, the council has rejected the plan on the grounds that the scheme would “not enhance or preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area”.

It added that it would also “result in poor standards of residential amenity” for future occupiers.

The council said in a decision notice:

“The host building has historic interest and makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area. 

“The cumulative effect of the proposed third floor, roof extension, glazed balustrade and paint work, by virtue of their form, scale, siting and appearance would erode the character of the building and create an alienated development.”

The developers had previously said the proposal would help to “fully utilise” the building.

Read more:

 

Harrogate’s James Street to get 17-bedroom aparthotel

A developer has submitted plans to convert the upper floors of a Harrogate town centre building into an aparthotel.

Leeds-based Countrylarge has tabled the plans to create the 17-bedroom scheme on the floors above a new Oliver Bonas store on James Street.

The site was previously occupied by Harrogate Discount Store, which closed in January.

London-based operator, Beyond, has been brought in to run to the aparthotel, if plans are approved.

Antony Rosindale from Countrylarge, which owns the unit, said:

“This planning application will complete the transformation of the building and bring economic benefits to the town centre.

“It is a great way to fully utilise the whole building and we are very excited to have Beyond operating it for us.

“Our aim is to get started as soon as we can, and we already have a contractor lined up to complete the conversion.”

James Fry, founder of Beyond added: 

“Harrogate is a fantastic place and we are thrilled at bringing our sustainable, carbon neutral operating model to the town.

“This building is ideally placed so people can enjoy everything that Harrogate has to offer.”

The conversion the upper floors into the aparthotel will start as soon as possible, if planning permission is granted.

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

Read more: