A councillor who has long campaigned for action on a burned-out Starbeck, Harrogate shop has welcomed approval of plans to demolish the building widely considered to be the area’s biggest eyesore.
Liberal Democrat councillor Philip Broadbank said the approval was a big boost for Starbeck High Street which has been “blighted” by the former McColl’s convenience store ever since it was gutted and left roofless during a fire more than three years ago.
Councillor Broadbank said: “As a resident of Starbeck myself I am pleased that at long last the site owner has now got permission to demolish this semi-derelict building.
“We need to see progress now and work towards getting a prestigious new development on the site that will help to enhance the High Street.
“It is time for some positive thinking and positive action now that the demolition issue has been decided.”
The former McColl’s store has been described as an “eyesore” and “ramshackle” by locals who have become increasingly frustrated with its unsightly appearance on the High Street.
Councillor Broadbank said he would now hold talks with the building owners Bates and Hemingbrough over their plans to revive the site by building new retail and 15 housing units in place of the current building.
These plans have already been discussed with Harrogate Borough Council, although a planning application has yet to be submitted.
The council had previously questioned whether the building next to St Andrew’s Church could be refurbished, before more recently putting the demolition plans on hold to allow for more safety documents to come forward.
The council’s decision to allow this finally came to the joy of residents in January and the Leeds-based site owners now have five years to complete their demolition and construction works.
To use this website you must be aged 18 years or over. Please verify your age before entering the site.
