Plans have been submitted to make changes to a former restaurant in Leyburn Market Place.
The application for Prospect House, which most recently operated as La Cuisine but was previously Kim’s and Penleys, would see part of the downstairs seating area become a new commercial kitchen.
The kitchen on the first floor would become part of a residential apartment, with bedroom accommodation on the second floor.
Supporting documents say the repositioning of the kitchen to the ground floor is necessary to satisfy building regulations requirements relating to means of escape.
The report adds: “The proposed works are predominantly internal in nature, limited in extent, and reversible. They will not disturb or harm the significant external character, historic fabric or principal elevations of the listed building.
“The less than substantial harm arising from this alteration is outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme, including the delivery of additional residential accommodation, the retention of commercial use, and the continued beneficial occupation and maintenance of the listed building.
The only proposed external alteration to the listed building is the creation of a new fire escape doorway, which is required as a means of escape from the ground-floor kitchen.
Prospect House is a grade-II listed building dating from the early 19th century.
The listed building consent for change of use is being assessed by officers from North Yorkshire Council.
The last commercial occupant of the building, La Cuisine, closed last year.
