Major Skipton shops and cafe plan given go-ahead (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Major Skipton shops and cafe plan given go-ahead

8:30am Monday 18th June 2012 in Skipton & The Dales

A major shops and cafe scheme for Skipton town centre has been given the go-ahead.

A Government planning inspector overruled Craven District Council and allowed the redevelopment of 9 High Street and land behind the town hall.

The inspector, however, refused Maple Grove Developments’ claim for costs on the grounds of the council’s “unreasonable’ behaviour”.

The decision will mean the replacement of the former High Street clinic, built in the 1960s, with two restaurants – one likely to be Pizza Express.

There will also be four shops on car parking behind the town hall and likely to house a relocated Next clothing and Brantano shoe shop.

A new pedestrian walkway will also be created from the High Street to Jerry Croft and there will be a reconfiguration of the public car park, including the removal of coach parking.

In his appeal decision, issued on Tuesday, Planning Inspectorate inspector Harold Stephens dismissed the concerns of the council, Skipton Town Council and Skipton Civic Society.

Instead, he said the development would be an integral part of the town and widen its appeal.

He further ruled out concerns about highways safety and felt there was no need for a puffin crossing across High Street.