GARGRAVE'S listed Old Swan Inn is to be lit up with eye-catching 'festoon' type lighting.

Despite the strong objection of Gargrave Parish Council which described the lighting as unnecessary and in 'direct conflict with the character of the village', planning permission and listed building consent has been granted by North Yorkshire Council.

The High Street pub, which dates back to the late 18th or early 19th century, was devastated by fire in 2020 and took several months to rebuild. It will also be lit up with four outside wall lights, designed to attract passing trade.

In documents submitted with the applications to the council, agents for Star Pubs and Bars say fitting of the lighting will not damage the fabric of the building and describe it as a "superficial, cosmetic addition" which is intended to provide the pub "with some additional presence during the evening and to identify it and attract potential passing custom."

Gargrave Parish Council objected strongly to the plans saying the lighting was detrimental to residents' amenity and in 'direct conflict with the landscape character of the village, most particularly during the hours of darkness."

It added: "The Old Swan Hotel is already highly visible, enjoying the prominent location on a bend in the busy main road which runs through Gargrave."