Showground hotel plans are thrown out

Plans for a multi-million pound hotel at the Great Yorkshire Showground have been refused in a shock move by Harrogate Borough Council.
An artist's impression of the hotel.An artist's impression of the hotel.
An artist's impression of the hotel.

The 98-room Roomzzz Aparthotel was recommended for approval by council officers but voted down by the planning committee because its look and prominence were deemed inappropriate.

A refusal notice from the council read: “The proposed building would have an over-dominant effect in the area, and would be harmful to the character and spatial quality of the area, by reason of its scale, siting and design.”

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Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which submitted the application, said: “We were very disappointed with the decision particularly as it was recommended for approval by the council’s officers.

“We believe an Aparthotel at the showground would have been good for the local economy and good for the society. It would give visitors a new and different accommodation option and attracting visitors to the district is a key element of the local economy. We are now giving careful consideration to our next step.”

Eight councillors voted against the plans, with three approvals and two abstentions. The motion was moved by Coun John Batt and seconded by Coun Andrew Goss.