COUNCILLORS are due to meet next week to consider granting an alcohol licence for a new cafe/bistro on Newmarket Street in Skipton.

Located just off High Street, a venue called Sfizio would open inside a former Christian bookshop. Separate plans to change the use of the building were lodged with North Yorkshire Council this month. The licensing application has been submitted to the council by Jane Abruzzese and Catherine Boland.

They ask to be allowed to serve alcohol between Monday to Sunday from 9am to 9pm, which would increase to 10pm in the summer months. It is set to have space for 30 covers inside and 20 outside.

A group of 31 residents living in apartments at the nearby Providence Place have submitted a joint representation saying they don’t object but have a “number of ongoing concerns” regarding the use of the rear of the premises as it’s closely surrounded by residential properties.

The application was discussed by Skipton Town Council recently which issued an objection to the licence as it said the proposals include “far too many” tables for customers and it would disturb residents living at Providence Place.

The applicants have agreed a host of conditions with North Yorkshire Council’s environmental health team including not allowing any more than 15 people in an outside patio area.

They also said they would ensure the rear exit leading directly to Providence Place will only be used as an “accessible entrance/exit” for patrons who may have difficulty using the entrance on Newmarket Street.

Councillors on North Yorkshire Council’s Sub-Licensing Committee will meet in Skipton on Tuesday (February 27) at 10.30am to decide whether to grant the licence.