Plans to turn historic Harrogate hunting lodge into multi-million pound home are deferred

Yorkshire councils unite to pull apart 'unacceptable' mental health plans in HarrogateThe proposal to repair and convert the historic Dob Park Lodge ruin near Otley was recommended for approval when it fronted Harrogate Borough Council’s planning committee this week.

The application is on behalf of property owner Andrew Vavasour, a direct descendent of the family who first acquired the property in 1532.

Incredible plans to turn historic 17th century hunting lodge on outskirts of Harrogate into multi-million pound homeMr Vavasour, a London-based airline pilot, plans on making the converted building his principal residence.

Originally built early in the 17th century, the lodge would have been used as a viewing platform for deer hunting in the 1600s.

Are £75m Crescent Gardens plans on track? Here's the answerAll that remains of the building now are two towers, with the decaying structure stabilised with metal framework in 2011 from a grant aided by Historic England.

Councillors were told ahead of the debate by an agent representing Mr Vavasour that converting the ruins into a home was its best chance at preservation.

The proposal has widespread support, including from Historic England, however the Area Of Natural Beauty joint advisory committee objected to it, arguing that the construction would substantially harm the visual and historical aspects of the moorland.

Here's how this Harrogate village Post Office is defying high street decline and is 'busier than ever'After a short period of debate, Conservative Councillor Nigel Simms said he would like to move a deferral so that councillors could see what impact it would have on the surrounding area.

“I would like to move a deferral…so we can see how much it impacts on the landscape, and then make a decision,” he said.

The motion was unanimously agreed on, with the matter to return to the council in the new year.

Lachlan Leeming , Local Democracy Reporting Service