Pub plan at old Falsgrave school gets some local support but raises objections from Environmental Health

Last month, Belinda Leppington applied to Scarborough Council to transform the old Falsgrave County Modern Girls School building in Falsgrave Road into a drinking establishment.

The building, known as the Clock Tower and most recently home to Bed King bed shop and warehouse, is located in one of Scarborough’s busiest areas but has been empty for more than three years.

Mrs Leppington, who had previously been the landlord of the nearby Crown Tavern for three years, said the bar “would be the only privately and completely free of ties public house in the Falsgrave area which would enable us to source locally brewed drinks for the enjoyment of customers”.

The planning application is currently out to consultation but it may have run into a problem.

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The borough council’s own Environmental Health service has said that it is not in a position to support the application.

In a letter to the planning authority, Ailish Lilley, Environmental Health commercial regulation officer, wrote that there were concerns about the lack of noise assessment.

She said: “The previous use as a bed showroom would not have involved large numbers of patrons arriving and departing at the same time, nor at unsocial hours. This application is until half past midnight every day.”

Mrs Leppington previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that sound proofing was an issue “we are investigating” to prevent noise nuisance.

The Environmental Health objection also raises other concerns.

The letter adds: “In addition, I have concerns that the kitchen provision is very poorly sized, that there is inadequate provision of toilets for the potential occupancy levels, which are not stated (there is no provision for staff and none at the first floor) and that the smoking shelter in its current iteration will not be legal.”

A number of letters of support have been sent by members of the public urging the council to grant the change of use to allow the pub to open.

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One states: “I feel this would be a great addition to the Falsgrave area and community, this is an up and coming area of Scarborough which for a long time was neglected and deprived.

“Any chance to increase popularity, footfall, and revenue in the area must be an obvious decision to make.

“Having been a local resident for many years, I embrace all opportunities to increase the recognition Falsgrave deserves, let along further enjoy all that this great area will have to offer myself and my family.”

North Yorkshire Police has also responded saying that with “relevant measures” implemented during the licensing process, which is required for alcohol to be served, it would be unlikely there would be “negative consequences” on crime and disorder in the area.

The former school building was built in 1873 and at first catered for boys and girls before becoming a girls’ only school after World War Two. It closed in 1964, with part of the school demolished to make way for housing.