Plans have been lodged to build children’s role-play and gymnastics centres.

If approved, two businesses would set up inside a warehouse on a farm off Station Road, in Crosshills close to Skipton and Keighley.

The role play centre would recreate Crosshills high street in smaller form so children can act out jobs in restaurants, hairdressers, vets, travel agents and other businesses.

It would be run by the company My Mini Highstreet, which for added realism will seek sponsorship from local firms in return for miniature versions of their shops.

Sponsors would also help to pay for free school trips for children with special needs or disabilities.

All activities will be linked to the early years and key stage 1 curriculums and there will also be baby and toddler groups offered as well as a cafe.

Six jobs would be created and it proposes to open from 9.15am until 3pm, seven-days-a-week.

Eureka in Halifax has offered role play for many years and studies have found centres can improve children’s language skills and encourage them to explore, experiment and follow their interests.

The gymnastics centre would be a seperate business run by Ambition Gymnastics, which offers popular gymnastics programmes in Barnoldswick to children and adults.

The company’s current lease runs out in November and documents state a move to a bigger premises would mean it could offer more classes and employ more gymnastics coaches.

The warehouse would be built on New Laithe Farm with the owners looking to collect rental income to help diversify their farming business.

Ambition Gymnastics said: “We strive to teach not only gymnastics but also the many amazing life skills that participating in gymnastics offers such as confidence building, overcoming fears, social interaction and developing resilence. We are passionate about what we do and our reputation for delivering gymnastics classes in Craven and the surrounding area is second to none.”

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision at a later date.