A discount shop chain has been given the go-ahead to launch a new store in a North Yorkshire market town.
Councillors have given their backing to Yorkshire Trading’s plans to open a branch in the former Barclays Bank in Thirsk Market Place.
The proposal had been recommended for refusal by officers who said it could harm the local conservation area and have an overbearing impact on a nearby home.
The scheme will see the former bank and a new 545 square metre extension at the rear of the building used by the store, with two flats created on the first floor.
While Thirsk Town Council supported the redevelopment, Historic England said it was worried the scheme would harm the local conservation area.
Ahead of councillors on Thirsk and Malton area planning committee debating the application on Thursday, Cllr Gareth Dadd, division member for Thirsk and North Yorkshire Council deputy leader, spoke in favour of the scheme.
He said: “I do not want to see this opportunity wasted for an ex-bank that could provide much-needed residential use.”
Cllr Dadd said the development would also create much-needed jobs and stop the building from becoming dilapidated.
He added: “We’re a thriving market town. This is an opportunity we can’t afford and shouldn’t afford to miss.”
The meeting heard that the application had been modified following criticism of the scheme at a previous planning meeting.
Changes include wood window frames instead of aluminium and redesigned signage.
Cllr Lindsay Burr said: “My weight tends to fall on the economic value and the investment.
“I don’t think that the character of the conservation area will be hit by this really.
“I think it can only improve it and I think on balance the economic benefits are going to outweigh the other benefits.”
Councillor Malcolm Taylor added: “Now we’ve got the amendments, I think there’s incontrovertible evidence that there is considerable public benefit and for me that outweighs the weight of the potential the harm to the conservation area, so I’m happy to support this application.”
Supporting documents submitted with the planning application stated: “The proposal will help to support the existing community by providing a wide range of goods within the town centre, reducing the need to travel.
“A range of good job opportunities will be provided. The scheme will protect the existing Market Place frontage, and its contribution to the conservation area.”
Councillors voted to be minded to approve the application, with the final approval left with officers once certain conditions had been agreed.