PLANNERS will this week decide whether to green-light plans to convert a former bar into flats, after hopes of a leading pub chain taking it over were dashed.

Elders bar and nightclub, in Elder Road, Northallerton, closed last year.

Its owner, Paul Cochrane, hoped it would be taken over and refurbished by the JD Wetherspoon chain, but no deal was concluded.

The plan, for 14 two-bedroom apartments and two retail units, is being put forward by Mr Cochrane as an alternative.

Permission is being sought to build an extra level on the two-storey building, with retail units, measuring 59 square metres and 55 square metres, on the ground floor.

The proposals will be debated by Hambleton District Council’s planning committee, which meets on Thursday (MAY26).

Planning officers are recommending that the application be refused, on the grounds of insufficient parking provision and failure to include open space or recreation facilities in line with the council’s planning policy.

In a report to members, planning officer Jonathan Saddington wrote: "Parking standards require one space per two-bed apartment and one visitor space per five apartments within market towns, which equates to approximately 17 spaces.

"The proposed layout incorporates eight car parking spaces, on land not controlled by the applicant, which is nine spaces fewer."

Mr Cochrane says the scheme is classed as a ‘town centre’ development, and within walking distance of pay-and-display car parks offering almost 800 spaces.

North Yorkshire County Council, as the local authority responsible for highways, has expressed concerns about the level of parking provision proposed in the application, as has Northallerton Town Council and local businesses.

Mr Saddington added: "In particular, the highway authority is concerned about obstruction on the turning head on Elder Road, which already suffers from illegal parking.

"Without adequate parking provision, the proposed development is likely to worsen the situation."

Despite the concerns that have been raised, only one formal objection has been submitted to the council, from Enterprise Inns, which owns The Fleece Inn, on the High Street.

The company is concerned that the development would block sunlight from the pub’s recently-constructed beer garden, as well as overlooking its private accommodation.