MAJOR developments for two derelict spots in Skipton may finally come to fruition.

Previous ideas for the Devonshire pub in Newmarket Street and for wasteland in Bay Horse Yard have fallen foul of planning authorities.

But this week Skipton town planners welcomed revised schemes. However, they still need final approval from Craven District Council's planning committee.

Town councillors said they were pleased they had persevered with objecting to previous plans for the Devonshire as they thought brewery chain JD Wetherspoon had finally come up with a "marvellous" refurbishment scheme.

JD Wetherspoon plc has been being trying to win permission to refurbish the grade two, 18th century listed building since 2000. It has stood empty for over a year.

Twice their plans have been rejected, and twice they have withdrawn applications.

Externally the new scheme includes an alternative and disabled access at the front, removing the cars from the forecourt and putting a seating area outside. At the rear an extension will include the bar and kitchen.

Internally architects have tried to revive as many of the building's original features as possible.

Councillor Mick Hill said: "Looking at this they are trying to restore it to as it was."

Chairman of the committee Coun Betty Campbell added: "They have tried to put the original floor plan back. There has been some terrible things done to this building."

The first floor will house the toilets and other rooms will remain unused. The second floor will contain the manager's flat.

A design proposal report states: "From the outset, it is our intention to ensure the building refurbishment allows the existing grade two structure to retain its full integrity.

"With this in mind it is our view that all extension work should be designed in a very contemporary yet sensitive manner to compliment and contrast the existing structure."

If approved by Craven District planners work on the new pub could begin at the end of the summer and be pulling in £25,000 a week by the beginning of next year.

Developers Hall Varley of Gargrave have put forward plans for a £1 million housing development, complete with underground car park, for the derelict Bay Horse Yard site.

Craven Voluntary Action's plans for a one-stop-shop centre for volunteer groups on the land were refused by Craven District Council and on appeal.

New drawings show plans for seven homes in two blocks all facing the canal.

A row of five, three storey homes would be closest to and overlook the canal. They have gardens to the front, and small landscaped areas at the back with spaces for wheelie bins.

Behind these houses (closer to the back of the High Street shops) is a two-storey semi-detached property. Their bedroom and lounge windows look out over their front gardens and a small courtyard and towards the block of five houses.

The secure underground car park would have space for 14 vehicles.

Coun Mick Hill said the scheme was a vast improvement on the eyesore currently in Bay Horse Yard.

Coun John Binns added that his only concern was the ridge height of the three storey properties.

Developer Joyce Varley told the Herald that planning permission already existed for seven houses on the site.

She and partner Nigel Hall plan to build the properties in two blocks to prevent overshadowing of existing cottages and prevent people looking out into each others' windows.

"We have tried to keep it as open as possible across the middle of the site as we can," said Mrs Varley.

"Our primary concern when drawing up the plans has been the reaction of the existing neighbours and to make sure it is in keeping. We are conscious it is in the conservation area and we have tried to do our best for that site."

If the plans are approved during the next couple of months it would take about 12 months to build the properties.