A LEADING high street coffee chain could soon be found in Tadcaster.

Plans to convert the town's former HSBC Bank into a Costa Coffee have been submitted to Selby District Council for consideration.

At the moment, the High Street premises is unoccupied, however, the two storey building would become available to the hot drinks giant immediately if planners give proposals the green light.

The plan's Design and Access Statement said: "The proposed development will ensure that a vacant unit is brought back into beneficial and vibrant use, and will enhance the vitality and viability of Tadcaster town centre, to align with the aspirations set out in the Core Strategy.

"It will also result in a number of economic benefits for the local area, through the occupancy of a vacant unit; job creation; an increase in footfall; the introduction of a nationally recognisable brand; and an increase in linked trips. Costa Coffee has shops in 29 countries around the world and was recently voted the nation's favourite coffee shop for the third year in a row.

The plans suggest the shop will open from 7am to 8pm, seven days a week.

The statement added: "The proposed opening hours seek to take full advantage of trade throughout the normal working and shopping day, and enhance the vitality and viability of the local area, by maintaining an active frontage within the town centre and increasing footfall and encouraging linked trips."

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, added: "It's encouraging news for Tadcaster that a name like Costa Coffee wants to invest in the town.

"There's always a danger when buildings are empty for too long and it never looks good, but this shows that something is on the up."

Selby District Council will meet in the new year to discuss the plans and approve or reject them.