PLANS have been submitted to convert a closed pub in Skipton into six apartments.

The Craven Pub, on Craven Street, almost opposite Tesco Supermarket, has been a hotel or pub since 1850. However, it closed in 2023 with its owner blaming high energy prices and the cost-of-living crisis.

The apartments would be spread across three floors with each having two bedrooms. Parking spaces are also proposed for future residents.

Planning documents attached to the application lodged with North Yorkshire Council, said: "The proposal is a carefully considered, high quality, sustainable response to a unique site, steeped in history and a rich local character. It seeks to not only fit in with its context but to significantly enhance it.

"It seeks to not only fit in with its context but to significantly enhance it. This is achieved by respecting the local environment and existing listed building and creating a development of six new dwellings which has minimal impact on its surroundings.

"It makes good use of an existing building and will make a positive contribution to the local area. The proposed design concept is bespoke and unique to the proposed site and compliant with local and national planning policies."

It is believed that the Craven was built as a railway hotel as it stood opposite the original Skipton Station, dating to 1847, which moved a quarter of a mile northwest in 1876 to its present location.

A post on the Craven's Facebook page in March 2023 offered thanks to its customers on its final day of opening.

It said: "It's been a very long day, a sad day especially to see The Craven boarded up! We're sorry we couldn't carry on but onwards and upwards. Our thanks again to all our customers."

The pub's owner had offered tenancy of the building for £15,000 a year which was reduced before it concluded that it was no longer viable as a pub.

It was then sold in April 2023.

According to accountancy firm Price Bailey, pub closures reached a decade high in 2023.

The data revealed 769 pubs went out of business in 2023, up from 518 in 2022.

North Yorkshire Council will make a decision on the plans at a later date.

The public can find more details about the application and comment on it using the reference ZA24/26084/FUL on the council's online planning portal.