PLANS to open a high end restaurant bar with entertainment at the top end of Skipton High Street have been given the go-ahead.

Despite the objections of the town council and fears that a different owner could turn it into an 'adult entertainment' venue, plans for listed 4-6 High Street were approved.

Councillors at Monday's Planning Committee meeting of Craven District Council heard that the Broughton Hall based Peel Entertainment Group had bought the freehold for the grade two listed premises and had put together an ambitious business plan.

Previously the long established Goldies outdoor shop, but most recently Forage restaurant and The Russian Tea Room, plans for the three storey building are for a ground floor restaurant bar, with a shop selling refreshments outside of the restaurant opening hours. There will be function rooms on the first floor, and a manager's flat on the second floor.

The rear of the premises will be developed - along the lines of the nearby Black Horse - with outdoor seating to the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Planning manager, Neville Watson, explained to councillors that the scheme included provisions for live entertainment, likely to be towards the end of the week, which could mean a pianist providing background music for diners, or a cabaret.

The outside area would feature fire pits and such heaters and was unlikely to be used throughout the year, because of the weather, he pointed out.

But inclusion of entertainment at the premises would require the submission of acceptable details of an acoustic screen to mitigate any noise issues.

Cllr Robert Heseltine (Ind) welcomed the plan for what he described as probably the the best and 'virtually unchanged' listed building in the High Street.

He further dismissed fears that the business would mean more deliveries, pointing out the council had approved plans for a restaurant in its property just over the road, next to the town hall.

"I say good luck to it, it should breathe some life into that part of the High Street," he said.

Cllr Carl Lis (Cons) added he was also pleased to see such a company invest in Skipton.

"I understand they have bought the freehold. This is a really big investment in Skipton, and it is to be welcomed," he said.

Cllr Chris Harbron (Cons) raised a note of caution and hoped it not open the doors for 'adult entertainment', but was told that was not a planning matter and approval would rest with the licensing committee.