THE basement of a Skipton wine shop could be turned into a specialist caf bar.

The Thresher Group, which owns Wine Rack on Water Street, has applied to Craven District Council for permission to create a caf on the building's lower ground floor, which is currently used for storage.

Access to the proposed business would be via the slope near the junction of Water Street and Mill Bridge. Fourteen car parking spaces would be provided in the area at the bottom.

Plans for the development show a waiting area, bar, eating area, kitchens, toilets and a patio area for summer.

A spokesman for the company said: "The Thresher Group recognises the potential to better utilise this attractive riverside location. Consequently we have submitted an application for A3 planning consent on the basement of our Water Street property.

"With direct access to the waterfront we believe this could offer appealing accommodation as a caf, specialist coffee bar or similar. It would not be our intention to operate any A3 business ourselves, but rather to offer it to a tenant or partner.

"The Wine Rack business will not be affected and we will continue to offer our exciting range of wines, spirits and beers from the ground floor store fronting Water Street."

Skipton Town Council looked at the plans at its planning and environment meeting this week.

It stated that it did not object to the plans, but added: "However on the location plan the applicants' site appears to take in the small well-used amenity area. The committee hopes this attractive peaceful place is retained.

"The committee also feel that the proposed window designs are inappropriate for this site situated within the conservation area.

"We also assume the old wall will be retained at its current height with no breaks through to the canal bank."

Its comments will be passed on to the district council.