New plans revealed for troubled former Scarborough hotel The Breece

Shafiq Mahmood, of Arain Property, wants to transform The Breece in West Street into 23 flats which, he says, could be used for students.

The building, which is now operating as a care home, hit the headlines in 2014 when Scarborough Council succeeded in getting magistrates to issue a closure order when it was a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO).

At the time the council told the magistrates that there had been “a wide range of antisocial behaviour at The Breece over a nine-month period, including criminal damage, theft, drug use, domestic violence, serious violence, burglary and an allegation of rape”.

A number of complaints from local residents had led to the council stepping in to shut it down.

Scalby Walk to return to where it all beganMr Mahmood, the new owner of the building, has told the council he wants to redesign the interior of the building.

His planning submission adds: “The proposed new use ensures the vacant property provides living accommodation which would be ideal for the local housing requirements and student accommodation.

“The majority external envelope will remain unchanged so the proposal will not affect the aesthetical appearance.

“The property is currently used as a care home. The proposal seeks to change the internal layout from a care home which consists of 12 studio flats in to

23 units.”

The council’s own Environmental Regulation Manager has raised one issue of concern, saying he would like to see fewer flats proposed as part of the plans.

The scheme is now out to consultation.