A MICRO bar has been given the go ahead to open with conditions, despite concerns from residents about overlooking and noise.

The owners of the former retail premises at 9 to 11 Court Lane, Skipton, have been told they must put obscure glass in the windows of the upstairs property so people having a drink in the upstairs lounge will not be able to see into the lounges and bedrooms of residents in the Providence Quarter.

The windows facing the residential area must also remain shut to reduce noise.

Last month members of Craven District Council's planning committee deferred a decision after a vote reached stalemate and asked the applicant to come back with details of noise mitigation proposals and opening hours.

The applicant's agent William Cartwright said the bar had reviewed its opening hours and proposed 12 noon to 9pm seven days a week with no plans to trade any later 'at present'.

The beer and drinks would be delivered in transit sized vans and any cooling and refrigerated equipment would be within the premises and not external.

"There will be prohibited off-premises drinking and drunks would be asked to leave. Any incidents of drunken and noisy customers will be rare," he said.

He added that music would be low level background music below the level of conversation and below 60 decibels. It would not be audible to neighbouring properties, he said.

Peter Carruthers, chairman of the Providence Quarter Management Committee, said residents remained concerned about disturbance to the amenity of their area.

"The development will have an impact. It is only 37 feet away from apartment windows," he said.

Ward representative Councillor John Dawson who originally called the plans in to committee said he remained concerned about the effect on residents and was concerned the applicant would apply to have the opening hours extended at a later date.

Councillor Paul Whitaker, who is also ward rep for Skipton North, said he was concerned about the opening hours stating there was cases in the past where applications to alter opening hours did not come back to the committee.

Councillor Chris Harbron said there was a concern about the number of micro bars 'popping up' in Skipton, but added that over the years many more pubs had closed.

"There is probably room for one more," he said.

He added that there were several licensed premises in the vicinity.

"If you buy a house under a flight path from an airport then you are going to get a lot of noise from aeroplanes. It was your choice to move there."

He said the apartments afforded town centre living and a certain amount of noise was expected.

"It's the way it is," he added.

Members voted to approve the plans with the conditions, including any external ventilation plans be submitted for prior approval.

Members also voted to remove the condition relating to the hours of opening, stating that was a matter for the licensing committee.