PLANS to redesign an existing shop and flat in Cross Hills have been given the go-ahead by North Yorkshire Council.

The scheme will see the subdivision of the current shop with flat above at 2 Hall Street to two shops on the ground floor and two flats above.

A planning officer's report, which was in favour of the development, said the site was surrounded by a mix of uses, including a car garage, residential properties and a public car park.

"The principle of retail with residential above at first-floor level has already been established through the existing use," said the report. "The subdivision to create two smaller units would not result in the loss of a retail or residential floorspace at the premises.

"For these reasons, it is considered that the principle of development is acceptable."

The applicant – in documents submitted to accompany the planning application – stated there would be no changes to the outside of the building, but that the redesign would "provide the opportunity to upgrade the internals of the property".

The flats would be well insulated to modern standards, there would be LED lighting throughout, and internal understairs bin stores will aim to encourage recycling.