Plan to turn historic York pub into student flats is back – despite councillors’ refusal

A plan to turn an historic York pub into 16 student flats has been resubmitted – despite it being rejected by councillors last year.

Alfa Homes wants to transform the Castle Howard Ox on Townend Street into the flats by converting the interior and building several extensions.

A planning application was originally put in to City of York Council in March 2021.

Council officers recommended approval for the scheme.

But at a planning meeting last November, councillors refused permission, on the grounds that the applicant “failed to demonstrate that the public house is unviable having failed to adequately market the property for a 12 month period”, in accordance with council policy.

In their resubmission, the developers say: “There is no prospect whatsoever of the site being redeveloped for commercial or community uses, as evidenced by the marketing (which together span well in excess of 12 months) which has been undertaken.”

They provide documents which say that the Castle Howard Ox was originally marketed by Leeds firm CBRE for seven months.

“The pub was marketed as a freehold, fully licensed public house available with vacant possession,” they said.

“In total, 12 offers were received from a mix of regional developers and investors. CBRE did not receive a single offer from a pub or restaurant operator.”

Then another Leeds property company, Fleurets, were instructed to market the property, which it has been doing for 11 months up to January.

It says that 109 parties registered an interest in the Castle Howard Ox.

Eight went onto make offers. Of these, three wanted to keep it at least partially as a pub.

But the cost of refurbishment was a significant issue, says a submission from Fleurets. “Several parties withdrew their interest stating things like ‘it needs too much work’, ‘too much cost to be viable’ and ‘£200,000 spend needed'”.

It goes on: “The very poor condition of the property will mean that any future use will require significant investment, which given the size and location of the property is likely to make the reopening of the premises as a public house unviable for this property.

“This is also likely to apply for the majority of commercial or community uses.”

Documents also argue there is a big demand for more student accommodation in York.

Hugh Murray’s Directory of York Pubs, says the Castle Howard Ox was first licensed in 1836, when the address was listed as Bootham Stray. 

You can read the resubmission and comment here.