A PRIORY near York which dates back to the mid-19th Century could be transformed into a wedding venue.

Plans have been submitted to Selby District Council to change the use of Thicket Priory in Thorganby to transform it into a wedding venue.

The Victorian country house was built in the 1840s, with additional extensions added in the 1970s and 1980s, when it was used as a monastery by Carmelite nuns, until they relocated in 2009 to a small building on the 18-acre grounds.

A report submitted with the proposal said: “The building was Grade II-listed in 1978 and it needs to earn an income in order for it to be maintained for future generations. It is considered that a high quality wedding venue with accommodation would be an ideal use for the building.”

The priory is owned privately by Bruce Corrie, and some buildings on site are occupied, but the report said “the building is impractical for use as a private house, it is too large for modern family living”.

If given the green light, the change of use could lead to the creation of more than 30 new jobs, including a chef and kitchen staff, bar staff, housekeepers and maids, gardeners and maintenance workers and wedding planners.

The plans also state an intention to use local services and suppliers, local produce, and said the use of the site as a wedding venue could improve business for local “B&Bs, hairdressers, florists, caterers and vintage vehicle hire”.

Carmelite nuns have been consulted about the proposal, and the report said developers had high hopes for the proposed venue.

It said: “A good relationship with the Sisters at Carmelite Monastery is enjoyed. They have been fully consulted and they agree that it is a good use for the priory as a wedding venue and is in keeping with their values. It is hoped that Thicket Priory will become a popular up-market wedding venue that will be a credit to the Selby constituency and help bring jobs and prosperity to the district.”

A letter of support for the plans has already been submitted by Prioress Sister Bridget, of the monastery. She wrote: “It will be a wonderful place to be married in and have stunning photos taken as the grounds are magnificent. We are all in favour of this venture in order for the buildings and grounds to continue to be maintained in such a lovely way.”

A decision on the plans is due by Selby District Council planners in late July.