A SCHEME to replace council owned former public toilets in Settle and replace them with flats, shops and tourist information, is being recommended for approval.

The toilet block, in Ashfield Car Park, was built in the 1970s and has been closed since 2010. It is proposed by Craven District Council to demolish the toilets and replace them with a building made up of three, one-bedroom shared ownership flats on the first floor, and three 'commercial spaces' on the ground floor including a 'tourist information desk'.

Three trees will be felled to make way for the development, but will be replaced by new planting, while there will be reconfiguration of the existing footpath, so pedestrians will still be able to access the car park, says the council.

Objectors to the scheme, which include Settle Town Council and the North Craven Heritage Trust, believe it is an overdevelopment of the site, that it will lead to an increase in traffic and will result in the loss of a 50-year old tree. It is also believed that the toilets should be renovated instead of demolished, and that it is not the right place for affordable housing, or for a new location for tourist information.

The scheme has also prompted 55 letters to the council, saying it is against the council's own local plan, that it is an overdevelopment, and concern that it will overlook the nearby listed Quaker Meeting House and garden. There are also concerns of increased congestion in the area, and there not being a need for more retail premises in the town.

Those in favour have welcomed the removal of the closed toilets and that shared ownership flats are a 'good addition'.

The application, which is due to go before the council's planning committee on Monday, January 16 for a decision, has a recommendation that delegated authority be given to the council's strategic planning manager, David Smurthwaite, for him to grant planning consent, subject to conditions. Conditions include the completion of a legal agreement to secure the affordable housing.

The planning officer's report to the committee states: "On balance, it is considered that there are no adverse impacts arising from the proposal that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the overarching presumption in favour of sustainable development.

"The proposal would redevelop and bring the site back into full and beneficial use, enhance visual amenity, the character and appearance of Settle Conservation Area and the setting of nearby listed buildings and ensure good ground floor access arrangements for all, including those with mobility impairments."