A former Methodist chapel in Lothersdale is to be converted into a design business with living accommodation.

Earlier attempts to convert the Bethel Chapel into two homes was refused largely because of proposed gardens being too close to the still-used graveyard.

But a fresh scheme by a new applicant has been approved by Craven councillors after it was shown progress had been made to satisfy objectors’ concerns.

Chairman of the planning committee Coun Richard Welch said he hoped applicants, Mr and Mrs Simon Ward, would continue to work to overcome any remaining issues.

The Wards, who would buy the chapel from the Methodist Circuit, are planning to convert the building into a ground-floor LED lighting and graphic design business, with four-bedroom living accommodation on the first and second floors. Gardens have been removed from the application and opaque glass fitted in windows closest to the graves.

The meeting heard from Audrey Jones, on behalf of those with relatives in the graveyard, that there remained issues about access for disabled people.

There were also concerns about overlooking from the proposed kitchen to the graves.