Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Shaboozey

A Bar Song (Tipsy)

Listen Live

Former Harrogate care home to be converted into apartments

Thursday, 23 May 2024 07:10

By Thomas Barrett, Local Democracy Reporter

The Pines care home on Harlow Moor Drive.

North Yorkshire Council has approved a plan to convert The Pines care home on Harlow Moor Drive into 12 apartments.

The 28-bed care home was forced to close in 2016 following an inadequate rating by the regulator Care Quality Commission.

It sits in a prominent location opposite Valley Gardens and the Pinewoods in the town.

Plans by Ilkley-based developer Flatcap Properties LLP follow two refused bids to turn the building into flats.

However, in both cases, the council said the property had not been sufficiently marketed as a care home before the application was submitted.

This is a requirement when changing the use of a care home to prove that it is no longer viable.

This time, the building was put up for sale as a care home for 12 months without any takers.

A report said due to its configuration, the property would be refused a new CQC registration due to small room sizes.

In the approved plans, the apartments will be formed through a subdivision of the building. However, some external changes are proposed primarily to create individual entrances to a number of apartments.

Residents will be able to use free on-street parking on Harlow Moor Drive.

A planning statement attached to the application said:

“To conclude, we believe the proposals provide a high-quality and attractive scheme and represent a significant opportunity to secure the positive development of this redundant building, which will, in our view, enhance this site and the surrounding area as a whole.

“Overall, careful thought has been given to the design and layout of the proposed development and as such it is considered that the design of the proposal is appropriate, and it is our view that the new development will have a positive impact on this area of Harrogate.”

More from Local News

Children's boutique and art gallery opens in Knaresborough

A new children's boutique with an in-store art gallery has opened on Knaresborough High Street.
Police issue update on body found in Ripon Canal

The family of a man found dead in the Ripon Canal on Sunday morning has now been informed, North Yorkshire Police has confirmed.
Retiring North Yorkshire Council chief executive gets pay package of almost £245,000

North Yorkshire Council's retiring chief executive received a total pay package worth almost £245,000 during the last financial year, new figures show.
Harrogate Paralympian challenges controversial Sydney Sweeney sports advert

Harrogate para powerlifter Lottie McGuinness has appeared on CNN to speak out about a controversial advert featuring actress Sydney Sweeney.
150 homes planned for green belt land near Harrogate

Plans for up to 150 new homes in green belt land near Harrogate would help address a severe shortage of housing in the area, according to the developer behind the scheme.
'Bonkers' burlesque show returns to Harrogate

A night of burlesque, cabaret and comedy is coming to Harrogate in support of an international medical charity.
North Yorkshire residents urged to recycle more household waste

Residents across North Yorkshire are being encouraged to check that recyclable household items are being placed in the correct containers.
Apple Throwing Championships return to Newby Hall

Newby Hall's popular Apple Throwing Championships will return as part of its final event of the 2026 season.
MPs urge Prime Minister to make A64 dualling a priority

Four North Yorkshire MPs have called on new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make the long-awaited dualling of the A64 a priority for his government.
Police appeal after radiator stolen from Ripon property

Police have released a doorbell camera image following the theft of a domestic radiator in Ripon.
Ukrainian city thanks Knaresborough residents for ongoing humanitarian aid

Charitable Knaresborough residents have been thanked by a Ukrainian city following another delivery of humanitarian aid.
New venue revealed for Harrogate vintage car meet

Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Club has announced a new venue for its monthly meet this evening (Monday).
Body of man in his 60's discovered in Ripon canal

The body of a man in his 60's has been discovered in the Ripon Canal.
Harrogate MP vows to keep fighting for end-of-life choice

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has vowed to continue campaigning for dignity and choice at the end of life.
Holiday park expansion planned to meet need for more spacious pitches

Plans have been submitted to expand a North Yorkshire holiday park to meet growing demand for more spacious and private rural holiday accommodation.
Storm overflow investigation to begin on Stray in Harrogate

Ground investigations are set to begin on The Stray as part of plans to reduce storm overflow discharges into Oak Beck.
Ferrari worth more than £2 million spotted in Harrogate

A Ferrari worth more than £2 million has attracted attention after being spotted parked in Harrogate.
Historic Ripon buildings open their doors for Heritage Open Days

Two Ripon buildings with links to a Victorian tiled mural and the city’s newspaper industry have joined this year’s Heritage Open Days programme.
Martin House doctor shares realities of children's palliative care in new book

A doctor at Martin House Children’s Hospice is launching a new book in Thirsk this weekend, drawing on her experiences caring for seriously ill children and their families.
Work gets underway on new Gail's Bakery in Harrogate

Work has started on the new Gail's Bakery in Harrogate town centre.