Campaign to save pub set to be converted to flats
GoogleA campaign has been set up to try and reopen a pub after plans were submitted to convert it into flats.
RPC Scarborough wants to turn the The Duchess, in Hovingham Drive, Scarborough into three properties.
However, local campaigners, including members of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) and town councillors, say they are working to revive the venue.
Chris Clark, a member of Scarborough Town Council, said: "The comments we have gathered clearly show that the pub has great affection in the area, and what we seek to do is to really liven the community up."
He added: "We also want to identify a group of individuals who were believed to be organising or seeking to have discussions about a buyout of the pub.
"We'd like to come and meet up with them at some point, but we don't know who they are."
Located near to Scarborough Hospital and the Woodlands Crematorium, The Duchess has historically served as a "vital social anchor", according to campaigners.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the group said it was aiming to restore the venue as a "multi-functional hub capable of hosting everything from post-funeral gatherings and musical nights to televised sports and family dining".
Clark added: "We very much look forward to working with the Hovingham Drive community and the people who work at Scarborough Hospital.
"We also look very much to working with those who may organise events at the crematorium to encourage more groups to support the pub at the point when, and if, we get the pub reopened."
In plans submitted to the council, the applicant said the conversion of the pub would have positive impacts, including a reduction in noise associated with pub operations, reduced evening and late-night activity, and added that the building would continue to be occupied and maintained.
North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the scheme.
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