Skipton offices to become internet-based hotel (From Craven Herald)

Skipton offices to become internet-based hotel

2:50pm Friday 29th June 2012 in News

Former offices in Skipton are to be turned into an internet-based bed and breakfast hotel.

The terrace in Otley Street, formerly the home of Medacs International, is to be converted into 15 self-contained units - despite concerns about it attracting the wrong type of people.

Guests will make their bookings on the internet and be issued with a code giving them access to their rooms.

There will be a caretaker’s flat, but not the normal staff and communal areas associated with other holiday accommodation.

Each unit will be equipped with a fridge containing a continental style breakfast and guests will be given the option to pay for their rooms to be cleaned.

There will be 14 car parking spaces, although some guests will be expected to arrive by train or bus, or park in the town car parks.

The conversion, which was given the go-ahead at a planning meeting of Craven District Council, was welcomed as an alternative to other forms of holiday accommodation.

The committee heard that eight letters had been sent in raising concerns ranging from problems with parking to the impact on Otley Street Nursery School, which has access through the site.

Concerns were also raised about possible ‘disorderly conduct’ and the ‘types of people’ attracted to the hotel.

But Skipton councillor Paul English said he thought it was an excellent idea and dismissed fears of ‘types of people’.

“This really annoys me, I would like to know what type of people are acceptable,” he said.

He also pointed out that the hotel was very close to Skipton Police Station.

Coun English said he had made use of similar hotels and had found them to be simple to book and convenient.

“For anyone who wants a quick night out, they are fantastic. I think it is a great idea and a good use for a disused building,” he said.

Fellow Skipton councillor Robert Heseltine said he had been concerned about the loss of employment use, but was happy to see there would at least be a caretaker employed to look after the hotel.