COUNCILLORS have said “sí” to plans to open Skelton’s first tapas bar.

The town will see the tapas bar and micropub open after councillors agreed to approve plans submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council, writes Local Democracy reporter James Cain.

The bar is being opened by Nick Abrahams and business partner Nick Dalton and will be based in the former High Street clothing alteration shop Stitches.

The pair has already saved two Skelton pubs from closure; the Royal George and the Duke William, which are both “doing well”.

They say the “Stitches” name will be kept and the bar will also have a sewing theme.

While several objections had been made by concerned neighbours over “a lack of parking” in the area and the potential for late night noise, planning officers deemed the proposals “acceptable” and recommended approval.

And committee members voted unanimously to give the plans the go-ahead.

Cllr David Walsh said: “In short I’ll say I’m supporting the application – I hope the committee will support it as well.”

He added: “It offers a more sophisticated, a much more cosmopolitan cuisine.

“I actually enjoy tapas.”

Cllr Carole Morgan agreed, saying: “I think this would be an excellent addition provided we build in conditions for insulation in case the flat above comes into use.”

Cllr Steve Turner said: “I think it’s an excellent idea,” and added that he proposed that the plans be approved.

Cllr Billy Ayre however asked if he was right in thinking there was legislation in place that required a new drinking establishment to provide adequate car parking facilities.

Committee chair Cllr Cliff Foggo said: “There is no legislation for that,” adding that the committee had approved a number of bars before and parking had never been an issue.

He said: “At present, there is no parking available for that shop.

“But parking is available for anyone visiting the high street.”

Opening hours at the new tapas bar will be from 11.30am until 10.30pm.