Kirkby Malham’s 17th century vicarage can been sub-divided to create another home.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has granted retrospective planning permission and listed building consent to the work.The new home will be subject to a local needs restriction.

Built in 1622 and restored in 1866, the building is deemed oversized for the requirements of a working vicarage, with the east wing being largely unoccupied since the mid 20th century.

The idea of sub-dividing the house was first mooted in 1946.

In a design and access statement, Peter Harrison Architects – agents for the Diocese of Bradford – said: “We consider the alterations will have no detrimental impact on the special character of this property.

“The significance of this building principally relates to its external appearance and its setting close to St Michael’s Church. The interior has been significantly altered and much of what is proposed only alters works undertaken within the last 20 to 30 years.”