ILKLEY town centre is poised to received a double boost.

A former clothes shop and neighbouring empty unit could become a new restaurant and cafe, while an award-winning independent charcuterie – Friends of Ham – has chosen Ilkley for its second venue.

Station Plaza owner, Retail Plus General Partner Limited, has submitted a planning application to Bradford Council for the former Dorothy Perkins and Burton store, together with the neighbouring unit last occupied by The Co-operative Travel.

The plan is for the change of use of the buildings – part of the Station Plaza complex facing Brook Street – and external alterations could follow from a future occupier of the property.

A planning policy statement drawn up on behalf of the applicant by agent, Leeds-based ID Planning, says the change of use would fulfil National Planning Policy Framework requirements, and is in accordance with Bradford Council's Revised Unitary Development Plan.

In its statement, the agent said: "Within close proximity of the application site, retailers include M&Co, WH Smith, Clarks, White Stuff and Mountain Warehouse. Based upon the high retail presence within Ilkley town centre, it is not considered the change of use of 1 and 2A Station Plaza will result in an adverse impact on the character of the shopping street and its attractiveness for the public.

"The above assertion is supported by the findings of the 2013 Retail Study carried out by White Young Green on behalf of the council. This study stated Ilkley is ‘well represented in terms of comparison units’ and the ‘proportion of vacant units in Ilkley town centre is substantially below the national average’."

The planning application will be determined by Bradford Council.

Scheduled to open in August on Wells Road in the former Ilkley Gazette offices, Friends of Ham Ilkley will follow the same format as its sister site in Leeds, offering carefully sourced cured meats, alongside hand-picked cheese and an interesting, ever changing, beer menu.

Friends of Ham is run by husband and wife team Anthony and Claire Kitching, who, following a US road trip, gave up successful jobs in London to follow their dream and love of craft beer and charcuterie.

Claire and Anthony launched Friends of Ham in Leeds in 2012, and two years later expanded the premises when the next door unit became available.

Friends of Ham Ilkley is a homecoming of sorts for Anthony Kitching. Anthony, or 'Kitch' to his friends, grew up in Bradford and always had Ilkley in his sights.

"Friends of Ham is a real labour of love for us," he said. "We source all the hams, cheeses and beers ourselves. The atmosphere of Friends of Ham is relaxed and fun. We don't accept bookings, it's a casual approach, and we just want to make as many Friends of Ham as possible.

"I've wanted to bring Friends of Ham to Ilkley for some time now, and when the perfect venue came up – a fabulous Victorian terrace, the old Ilkley Gazette buildings – we grabbed our chance."