Redevelopment of former postcard facility set for go-ahead

Plans to develop new commercial units on the site of the former headquarters of the company said to be behind the first commercial picture postcards look set to get the green light at a council meeting next week (7 February 2019).Thompson Homes (Yorkshire), supported by Hayes Associates, submitted plans to Scarborough Borough Council last year for the Old Print Works on Melrose Street.The site was originally home to the printworks for ETW Dennis. The company began producing cards featuring scenes and seaside views in the 1900s and is thought to be the first in the UK to make commercial postcards.Following the closure of the company in 2000, the building the building was subject to a number of different uses, including a photography studio, lighting company, storage for a hotel group and children’s entertainment centre. The majority of the former commercial buildings have now been demolished.Planning permission is now sought to develop 11 commercial units on the site, measuring a combined 30,000 sq ft. This includes the construction of nine new units as well as the recladding of an existing property.The speculatively-built units would be suitable for uses including retail, light industry, general industry, storage and distribution, and assembly and leisure.The application will go before the council’s planning committee on 7 February and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions, in a planning officer’s report prepared for the meeting