PLANS for a new restaurant and vodka or gin distillery have been unveiled for Ryedale.

The Fitzwilliam Estate has submitted the proposals for two sites in Malton to Ryedale District Council.

The distillery application lists its location as an empty unit at Talbot Yard in Yorkersgate, with the application also covering the creation of a retail space and offices.

The new restaurant is planned for a vacant building on the corner of Wheelgate and Finkle Street.

It is the subject of both a change-of-use application, from a retail space into a restaurant, as well as listed building consent. Proposals include external and internal alterations, with the reinstatement of an opening between the two properties and fitting-out works to form a restaurant including the installation of wood-fired pizza oven.

A spokesman for the Estate said that they can’t make any comment until the applications have been approved and leases signed.

The creation of a new distillery in Malton comes amid a resurgence in the popularity of small batch “craft” spirits.

Last year it was reported that the number of gin distilleries in the UK has doubled in five years. Figures from HM Revenue and Customs showed there were 233 licensed UK producers, up from 116 in 2010.

Vodka, meanwhile, is the most popular spirit in Britain, with a market share of around 30 per cent.

It also follows the establishment of several new breweries in the area and the remoulding of Malton as the “food and drink capital” of Yorkshire.

The distillery application will be decided by Monday, March 20, and the restaurant applications by Thursday, March 23. The agents for the applications are Savills in York.

The decisions are expected to be delegated from the planning committee to council planning officers.

Meanwhile, Costello’s bakery has announced expansion plans, with the aim of opening a large production unit in Malton at a new site in Navigation Wharf, near York House, Malton.

Navigation Wharf, an area of former riverside warehouses, is being developed by Fitzwilliam Estate as a second phase of food production units now the first phase at Talbot Yard is almost fully let.

Costello’s will be one of the first producers to arrive, with its new production unit allowing more space to produce their craft baking products for Costello’s shops in Malton and Driffield.

Tom Naylor-Leyland, who leads the Malton food town project, said: “I’m delighted that such a famous baking brand has put their faith and commitment into the town. Their products will now have the ‘Made in Malton’ stamp of approval and will certainly boost Malton’s credentials as a foodie destination.”

The Costello’s production unit will be another stop on the map for visitors on Malton’s Food Tour, where they will be able to watch the steak pies being made.

James Costello said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to increase our offering and to sell our products to other high quality food retailers, restaurants and cafes. Over the past few years I have seen great things happening in Malton, some fantastic independent businesses have been created and it’s an honour to be a part of its development as the food capital of the North.”