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New homes at historic square - COMMENT ON THIS STORY
A LONG-DERELICT Scarborough eyesore could be set for a new lease of life with solar panels in one of the town's historic squares.
The former Scarborough Carpets shop, in the conservation area that includes Albemarle Crescent, has been granted planning permission for 24 apartments on the 10,000sq ft site.
It is hoped that the development will spur on further improvements in the area.
The project, which has been given the grand title of The Duke of Albemarle Building, will bring a much needed boost to the historic site near to Albemarle Baptist Church and Albemarle Gardens.
The owner of the site will now choose a developer to buy the land. The plans feature three blocks of two bedroom flats, with five 'affordable' housing units. The re-development of the site would see the demolition of two three-storey houses and a warehouse, which lies inside a conservation area.
It would offer off-street car and cycle parking areas and solar panels on the rear roof slope of the three blocks of flats to provide heating.
The flats will feature buff facing bricks and artificial stone detailing with slate roofing.
There has been no development at the site, which was also a former Boothby's garage, although planning permission was granted more than two years ago for flats conversion.
At the time, a council planning report said the development would be a catalyst for the area and councillors backed the plans as it was an "appropriate redevelopment". The report said: "It is appropriate design and scale for the site and the locality and will enhance the character and appearance of that part of a conservation area.
"While the development will result in some impact on neighbouring residents, the degree of impact is considered acceptable given the need to redevelop the site and ensure best use is made of it."
Scarborough Civic Society also welcomed the new development as the site had been "neglected for too long."
Before it fell into decline, the site was home to a number of thriving Scarborough businesses.
From 1956 the building was Boothby's garage before the company moved to Falconer's Road in 1970.
Barry Boothby's late father Tom moved to Albemarle Crescent after running Westwood Garage in Westwood and a battery factory in Hoxton Road.
Previously, the site was a garage for HA Whittaker who also had garage businesses in Castle Road, Westborough and Vine Street.
The owner of the site was not available for comment.
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Weather for Scarborough
Friday 10 February 2012
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