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03
Feb 2023
Plans to convert Harrogate’s former RAF club into flats
A planning application has been submitted to convert Harrogate’s former Royal Air Force club on East Parade into four flats.
The club occupied the building between 1966 and 2022 and served to support ex-RAF servicemen and servicewomen throughout the Harrogate district.
The bar was open on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
The club’s members were part of the RAF Association, a registered charity that provides welfare support to the family of RAF members nationally.
But the club closed after over 50 years in June 2022 due to a dwindling membership locally.
Planning documents submitted to Harrogate Borough Council also say there was also no disabled access to the building, which made it difficult for ageing members to access.
A statement from the club chairman last summer said the club was no longer viable and when sold, the proceeds would be given to the RAF Association.
Read more:
- Royal Air Force club in Harrogate to close after 56 years
- Malcolm Neesam History: Harrogate’s thriving working men’s clubs
- Government rejects Harrogate working men’s club flats plan
A closing party was held at the club where people made donations to obtain some of its remaining military memorabilia.
Despite closing the club, the Harrogate district branch of RAFA is continuing with its charitable endeavours and remaining members will still attend annual events such as the Battle of Britain commemorative parade at Stonefall Cemetery and Remembrance Sunday parades.
Philip Crebbin, chairman of the club, outside the RAF club in Harrogate.
The National Reserve Club, also called The Nash, was a nearby club that formed in 1913 but closed in 2020. Planning documents say that declining membership numbers and maintenance costs mean working men’s clubs are struggling to survive.
However, the Ex-Servicemens Social Club, also on East Parade, is still open.
The plans for the RAFA Club include four two-bedroom flats and the demolition of an external toilet block.
Planning documents state:
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