Beverley Arms Planning Application Approval Welcomed By Cllr Healy

The planning application for a multi million pound scheme to transform the Beverley Arms hotel and bring it back into use has been approved by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and local residents living on Wood Lane, working with their ward Councillor, Denis Healy, are relieved and delighted that their concerns about the demolition and construction works have been listened to.

The iconic Grade II listed building has been vacant since last February when the previous operators went into liquidation, and the planning decision means that the ambitious conversion of the 18th century hotel into a coaching inn,by the pub chain, Daniel Thwaites, now has the green light, with work expected to begin in the new year.

The ambitious project will include the demolition of the 5 storey rear bedroom block, considered by many to be an incongruous 1960s blot on the Beverley landscape, and its replacement with new accommodation and general refurbishment far more in keeping with Beverley’s character.

Although local residents have been largely supportive of the planning application, which brings the building back into viable use as a hotel, there were many concerns expressed about the disruption and danger which would have been caused if the historic surrounding streets had been used by construction traffic during the demolition and construction work. Local residents approached Councillor Healy who assisted them with their representations to planning officers in ensuring that their concerns were taken into consideration.

The planning decision is clear that vehicular access to and from the site along Wood Lane during demolition and construction will not be allowed.

Cllr Healy said:

“The Beverley Arms planning application and its subsequent approval is a great example of elected councillors being a conduit between the local community and the planning officers. Residents had some very real concerns about noise, pollution and road safety if ancient streets like Wood Lane had been used by construction traffic, and these have now been addressed in a sensible way which means everyone can look forward to the enhancement of our town which this development should bring.

Another important condition of the planning decision is that work will not commence until a programme of archaeological work has been undertaken.

Cllr Healy continued:

“The recommendation for an initial programme of archaeological evaluation has been made because the application site lies within the medieval core of the town, in an area where previous archaeological work has confirmed the presence of medieval activity. It is therefore important for our town’s heritage and our understanding of its history that plans are made for the recording of archaeological remains and their preservation.

“I am pleased that the planning officers have approached this application in a sensitive way. They have listened to the residents, and the conditions contained in the final decision means that we can look forward to the preservation of one of Beverley’s finest buildings as a viable and prestigious hotel and providing great employment opportunities within Beverley and the surrounding area.”

Wood Lane resident, John Hickling said:

“I am delighted that the Beverley Arms is to be redeveloped and believe that this significant development will enhance the area. Residents of the lanes to the South of the hotel were concerned about access to the site via these narrow streets and the subsequent impact on the users and the buildings. With the support of Councillor Healy and with good communications from the planning officers it was agreed that alternative options would be used. This illustrates that if communities work together they can influence planning decisions in our town.”