A Skipton businessman is following five generations of family tradition by putting his mark on the town.

Norman Simpson's plans to transform the historic Thanet's Yard area into a multi-purpose complex were accepted on Monday by Craven District Council planning committee members.

An old stone barn, once the depot for his Pennine Motor Company, will be converted and the surrounding buildings will be demolished.

In its place will stand a retail, office and nine home development with basement parking.

Skipton-born Mr Simpson is the fifth generation of his family to add something to the town.

At this week's planning meeting, Mr Simpson's agent explained that giving the Thanet's Yard development the go-ahead would enable the family to take the firm into the future.

The income generated through the new complex would be put back into the bus company to buy a new fleet of vehicles with disabled access, members were told.

Coun Paul English said: "It's a rundown area. There are some places that need funding and regeneration. This is one. It will be revitalising a part of an area of the town that needs revitalising. Hopefully it's the first step of many."