PLANS to construct two 'architect-designed' office buildings at Skipton Auction Mart have been given the go-ahead.
Applicant, Craven Cattle Marts (CCM) will build the new modern offices on an area of land currently used by Craven College for horticultural teaching.
In documents with the application to North Yorkshire Council, agents for CCM, say that the buildings on the site, within the larger auction mart site, off Gargrave Road, are in a poor state of repair and their replacement will improve the look of the area.
Buildings include a dilapidated prefabricated classroom, two glasshouses and several storage sheds. There are raised beds outside and paths and hard surfaced areas.
It is proposed that one of the new office buildings will be used by the National Farmers Union and the other by a firm of accountants that specialise in serving the farming and rural sector.
The new offices have been designed and with materials to fit in with buildings currently on the site.
The use of a nearby hillside for the grazing of sheep will remain, to provide the now necessary biodiversity net gain.
Car parking will be within the site and access will be off the auction mart's existing private road network.
A mature sycamore tree within the site of the new buildings will be retained.
In the supporting information, the auction mart is described as a busy and successful business site that is home to numerous local companies with connections to the rural and farming community.
The dominant user of the site is Craven Cattle Mart, which hosts regular livestock and other auctions, it states.
Other businesses however include Craven College, WBW Surveyors; meat processors and butchery service, Barkers Yorkshire Butchers, and Carrs Billington farm supplies.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is also at the auction mart, along with Craven Farm Vets, Wynnstay Stores agricultural supplies, and the Mart Theatre.
CCM's agents say the plan will meet the needs of two businesses while the 'high quality' development will have a positive impact on the character of the area.
The Clitheroe office of the NFU recently closed, and it is proposed that a new expanded operation for both Skipton and Clitheroe will be provided at the auction mart.
The statement concludes: "The development represents a valuable economic development project that is important for the local economy."
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