York shop and flat plans blocked for historic building

An application to convert the former Vahe Bar, on the ground floor of 31-33 Goodramgate, into a shop and its first floor into two flats has been refused.

Plans from Vahe Nesserian stated the conversion would significantly improve the first floor of the building, which is thought to date to the 15th century, and not cause unacceptable harm.

But City of York Council planning officers ruled the works would harm the Grade II-listed designated heritage asset and there was not enough information about fire separation.

The decision comes after plans for the works were lodged in January.

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They included two two-bedroom flats on the first floor, along with the shop on the ground floor.

The building was originally a home and went on to be altered in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

It was home to a number of shops in the 2000s before its conversion to a venue trading as Kokos International Bar was approved in 2006.

The venue rebranded as Vahe Bar in 2012.

31-33 Goodramgate (Image: Vahe Nersessian)

Plans stated the building was of special architectural interest in York’s historic conservation area.

The plans stated: “The building exhibits a strong capacity for change, given its history of alterations and the presence of incongruous additions.

“This underscores the need for sensitive intervention, allowing modern requirements to be accommodated without compromising heritage significance.”

But planning officers stated the works would result in the erosion of the historic circulation through the building and the addition of a modern ‘mini-bridge’.

Officers said: “Insufficient information has been submitted to establish that fire separation can be achieved without harm to the exposed historic ceiling structure, while the proposed external extract grille would detract from the appearance of the listed building.

“The identified harm has not been clearly or convincingly justified and no public benefits have been identified that would outweigh the harm.”