EXCITING plans to create a new museum in the centre of Settle that celebrates the town’s link with famous English composer Sir Edward Elgar have been approved by North Yorkshire Council.

The museum will be inside Dr Buck’s House, a Grade II listed building most recently home to Natwest Bank until 2017, and subject to a failed planning application to convert it to flats and a shop.

North Craven Building Preservation Trust (NCBPT), which also runs the Museum of North Craven Life at The Folly, bought the building last year to protect its future.

It is known as 'Dr Buck’s House' for its association with one of its previous owners, Dr Charles W. Buck, local GP and lifelong friend of Elgar.

The group says the museum gallery will celebrate the Land of Hope and Glory composer and the inspiration that he drew from Settle and the Yorkshire Dales.

The proposals will also introduce three affordable apartments above the museum that will be rented to people with a connection to Settle.

Elgar frequently visited Settle and a plaque on the building commemorates his association with the town. He died in 1934.

Settle Town Council, in supporting the scheme, said: “The planning application contributes to the wellbeing of Settle and the provision of much-needed affordable housing. The application reuses lots of the original features of the building. The museum space on the ground floor would be a great tourist attraction for Settle and encourage additional visitors to the area.”

Another person also submitted a letter of support urging the council to back the plans. They said: “As a regular visitor to Settle, I have enjoyed visiting both The Folly Museum and The Folly Coffee House. They are both assets to locals and visitors alike. This is a wonderful way to celebrate Settle’s unique history and at the same time provide a residential aspect.”

A North Yorkshire Council officer approved the plans on July 9. They said: “Overall, the approach to the proposal is a sensitive and considered one. It will serve to secure a sustainable future for the heritage asset and impact positively on the local economy and environment.”