THE fate of Skipton's historic Devonshire Hotel took a step closer to being resolved after Craven District Council's planning committee finally agreed to development plans from pub group JD Wetherspoon.

Wetherspoon's has been trying to win permission to refurbish the grade II listed, 18th century building for three years. Their plans have been turned down twice and twice they have withdrawn their applications.

But now Craven District Council has given the pub group scheme its backing, although the decision now has to be ratified by the Secretary of State.

The principle works include the building of a new rear extension to accommodate the bar and kitchen and the refurbishment of the main building's ground floor. The first floor will be converted for toilet facilities and the second floor will form a manager's flat.

The new scheme also involves removing cars from the forecourt and altering the front entrance to include a ramp for the disabled.

Skipton Town Council commented in the report to the meeting on Monday: "The Town council welcomes the revised plan, the work done by the officers and are pleased that Wetherspoon's have employed a conservation architect. Efforts have been made to return to the original floor plan in the interior and to accommodate nearby residents' wishes on the east elevations. The town council however, do regret the loss of the first floor bedroom which from the plans appear to be unused."

Chairman of the planning committee Coun David Ireton told the meeting: "I have to say how exciting this development is going to be for Skipton. It has been a long road, a difficult road at times, and it must have been for Wetherspoon's but we have arrived there with something that's acceptable to the authorities and Wetherspoon's. It's going to be wonderful to see this building put back into its glory. I am really looking forward to seeing it."

Due to the history of the Newmarket Street building there was concern that any development to the property could alter the character of the building. However the meeting's report concluded that after more than two years of negotiations the current proposals were now sufficiently detailed to allow proper consideration of the impact on the special architectural or historic interest of the grade II listed building.

It also stated: "The applicants have demonstrated that there is now sufficient understanding of the historical development of the building to carry out the restoration in a comprehensive, sensitive and authentic manner."

Earlier on in the meeting it was mentioned that the building was in danger of deteriorating due to the length of time it had been stood empty. Members also heard how previous objections from the residents in Devonshire Mews had now been resolved.

Spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon, Eddie Gershon, said: "Wetherspoon's have converted 40 to 50 listed buildings and we have won numerous awards.

"We are confident that we can convert the Devonshire Hotel in the right way to make it a credit to the town. The fact that it is going to the Secretary of the State means that we are making progress after nearly three years."