Pub in Peril? Supermarket plans green lit by planners
Decision paves way for Flaxley Road public house to be transformed into supermarket but only if sale agreed.
Selby
Last orders could be called at a Selby boozer after plans for it to become a supermarket were rubber stamped by district planners.
The Gipsy Moth, standing on the corner of Flaxley Road and Haig Street, could now to be transformed into a branch of the Co-Operative after a potential sale to the group was touted last year. Approval by planners potentially paves the way for any eventual sale and conversion to go ahead.
Several changes are expected to the building if the sale goes through. These include installation of bollards, new external lighting, larger store windows and an ATM.
Approval of the scheme is not without controversy, however. While one letter was received in support of the proposed supermarket, a petition of more than 50 signatures urged the council to reject the application.
If the Gipsy Moth is to close it will join a growing list of Selby pubs lost to the planning system in recent years. Others include Barlby's Bay Horse, The Friendship and Golden Lion on Millgate and The Queen's Vaults on Ousegate.
A statement from Punch Taverns, released when the application was initially submitted, said, "Whilst it is always our priority that our pubs continue to trade as pubs, we regularly review our estate to ensure our sites are maximising their potential.
Punch Taverns and the Co-Op have been approached for further comment.