Key Highlights
- Richard Exley’s proposal for a seven-bed hotel on the upper floors of the Hopes and Beans cafe in Whitby has been approved by North Yorkshire Council.
- The ground floor will remain a cafe, bar, and hotel reception, while the first and second storeys will be used as hotel rooms.
- Officers noted that tourism is fundamental to the local economy, and the scheme would respect the tourism character of the area.
- No objections were received from members of the public or Whitby Town Council; however, some proposed alterations were scrapped to alleviate concerns raised by officers.
Whitby’s Hopes and Beans Sees Transformation into Hotel
The historic town centre in Whitby is set for a transformation with the approval of Richard Exley’s proposal to convert part of the Hopes and Beans cafe into a seven-bed hotel. The decision, made by North Yorkshire Council on 8 November 2025, marks an exciting step forward for the local hospitality industry.
Proposed Changes
The approved plans include a series of external alterations to enhance the building’s appearance and functionality. These changes will see the installation of replacement windows, removal of existing fire escapes, and modifications to ensure compliance with modern safety standards. Notably, some proposed alterations were scrapped to address concerns raised by officers.
Upper Floor Redevelopment
The upper floors of the building are set to undergo significant changes as part of this project. The first floor will be converted into three hotel rooms, while four additional rooms will be created on the second floor. All proposed rooms will cater to double occupancy and include supplementary features such as sofas, tables, and chairs.
According to submitted plans, the scheme aims to provide larger accommodation options than typically expected for a double room in the Nationally Described Space Standards. This adjustment is intended to meet market demands while maintaining aesthetic harmony with the surrounding area.
Community Support and Planning Approval
No objections were received from members of the public or Whitby Town Council during the consultation period. The Environment Agency also expressed no concerns regarding the proposal. In a statement, the council’s tourism department welcomed the application, stating that it supports additional serviced accommodation in Whitby.
Preserving Local Character
The planning report emphasized the importance of preserving local character and respecting the tourism industry’s fundamental role in the economy. Officers noted that the scheme would enhance the town centre while maintaining its unique charm and appeal to visitors.
This development is part of a broader trend in Whitby, where businesses are exploring ways to diversify their offerings and meet changing consumer demands. As tourism continues to be vital for the local economy, such initiatives could pave the way for further investments in the hospitality sector.
