A DEVELOPER is proposing to give a 'tired building a new lease of life' by creating a new bar and restaurant in Otley town centre.

RFR Holdings Ltd has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council proposing to transform the Grade II listed building at 40 Bondgate, Otley - previously home to Korks Wine Bar - into a new hospitality venue.

The application is for the demolition of existing rear industrial extension; renovation and alterations of existing Grade II Listed building; construction of a new two storey extension with link glazed atrium; renovation of the existing barn to create accommodation; a new garden area, external covered area and garden fixed seating; new pizza oven, flue and kitchen extract; eight wall mounted condenser units and the provision of two external bin stores.

The site, which is within the Otley Conservation Area, was home to Korks and was used as a wine bar and brasserie with a nightclub to the rear for 35 years, up until 2017, however the venue has been closed since.

In a design and access statement the applicant says: "The brief is to demolish the existing rear industrial extension, refurbish and extend the existing main building on 40 Bondgate, creating a new bar and restaurant venue with function space and outdoor areas. This includes converting the existing barn into managers accommodation.

"The site will consist of three elements, refurbishment of 40 Bondgate, a two storey new build extension with cellar on the land where the industrial unit will be demolished and a glazed link atrium. The layout of new building has been designed to mirror the main buildings pitch and to be no higher than the perpendicular two storey section of Bondgate. This is to ensure the new build element of the proposal will sit suitably amongst the existing surrounding buildings. The new building sits on the site with open areas to the boundaries rather than infilling.

"In addition to the main venue the proposal is to convert the existing barn or outbuilding into accommodation to support management of the business."

The applicant concludes: "The proposed works will enhance the historical aspects of Bondgate whilst proposing a new building with sensible building materials and design, it complies the building characteristics of the area, provide a good sense of modernisation to the surrounding and ultimately provide practical space to operate hospitality service. The proposal will give this tired building a new lease of life, creating an enhancement for the area both aesthetically and socially."