A PLAN to improve staff facilities at JD Wetherspoon's Devonshire Inn, Skipton, has been submitted to Craven District Council.

The plan involves the refurbishment of existing staff toilets on the second floor of the Newmarket Street pub, along with the creation of new changing rooms, locker area and staff room. The outside of the building will remain unchanged.

Submissions to the council say the Devonshire, a listed building, was built as an inn in around 1800, and was originally known as The New Inn. Designed by the Earl of Burlington, it was renamed the Devonshire when the earl's daughter married the 4th Duke of Devonshire.

The Devonshire originally provided accommodation for stage coach travellers and included stabling for horses at the rear, which was later replaced with a bowling green.

The hotel was sold in 1897 for £6,000, and again in 1911, to Tetley’s for £2,800.