A FORMER travel agent store in Ilkley will soon become a branch of a popular bakery chain.

Scarborough based Cooplands plans to move into the former Hays Travel unit on Brook Street, and has submitted planning applications to Bradford Council for a new shop front and signage.

Despite having numerous branches in the North East and elsewhere in West Yorkshire, it would be the only Cooplands in the Bradford District.

Boutique hotel plan for Ilkley town centre building approved

The unit, which was a Thomas Cook before it was Hays Travel, is in the Ilkley Conservation area.

The planning application says: "It is considered that the proposal would bring this vacant ground floor unit back into beneficial use and enhance the vitality of the Ilkley Town Centre, which is considered to be in the interest of long term conservation of the host building, the setting of its neighbouring statutory listed buildings, and the character/appearance of the neighbouring Conservation Area."

A decision on the planning application is expected in the New Year.