Plans to erect bollards and planters to close the road outside the former Harrogate Borough Council offices at Crescent Gardens have been recommended for approval.
Councillors on the Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee will meet on Tuesday to consider the planning application by Impala Estates, which bought the building from the council for £4m in 2020.
The developer already has planning permission to convert the historic building into office and restaurant space.
Crescent Gardens was vacated by the council in 2017 when it moved into its new headquarters at the Civic Centre on Knapping Mount.
Impala Estates says it wants to block traffic from entering to the front of the former offices, running between Swan Road to the west and Montpellier Road to the east.
It would do this by installing five telescopic bollards alongside planters on both sides of the road.
The area between the planters will be finished in stone block sets.
However, if the plans are approved then a separate ‘stopping up order’ would be needed from the department for transport to close the road, requiring a public consultation.
Planning documents state the arrangement would make the road look similar to the Low Traffic Neighbourhood that the council trialled at Beech Grove in Harrogate during the Covid pandemic.
The developer added:
“The proposed development is inter-related with the conversion/extension of the Crescent Gardens building and the change of the Crescent Gardens roadway to become a privately maintained access road to the Crescent Gardens building, which has been agreed between the applicant and the council.”
Council officers backed the proposals in a report that has been prepared for councillors ahead of the meeting.
The report said:
“The proposals will have a minor positive impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and no significant impact on the setting of nearby listed buildings.”
However, the plans received seven objections, including one from the conservation group Harrogate Civic Society.
They objected to the loss of the public right of way and called the proposed planters “unattractive”.
Chair Henry Pankhurst said:
“We do not agree that closing off the highway to the public is acceptable, even if it was closed to motor vehicles but maintained the right of way for pedestrians and possibly cyclists.”
The planning committee will take place at 2pm on Tuesday with the meeting streamed live on YouTube.
Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event
