LAST orders may have been called at a Selby pub as the owners apply for permission to transform it into a new supermarket.

Punch Taverns have applied to Selby District Council for permission to change the use of The Gipsy Moth in Flaxley Road from a pub to a supermarket.

A report submitted with the request said plans include extensive changes to both the inside and outside of the pub, with large windows, bollards, external lighting and an ATM, but would retain current car park facilities.

So far, the only response to the plans has been from North Yorkshire County Council who have no objection, providing a drop kerb is replaced with one of full height where the access is no longer used.

However, one poster to the Save Our Selby Facebook group suggested the supermarket chain had not bought the property, but the planning application had been submitted following "progressive discussions" between Punch Taverns and the Co-Op.

They said: "There has been no exchange of contracts between Punch and the Co-op. Indeed we have not even reached a stage where we have issued instructions to our legal team to draw up contracts. The Co-op are interested in purchasing and developing the site. Punch accept this and have had progressive discussions with the Co-op."

A statement from Punch Taverns said: "Whilst it is always our priority that our pubs continue to trade as pubs, we regularly review our estate to ensure our sites are maximising their potential.

"We can confirm that a planning application has been submitted for a change of use at the Gipsy Moth. This process will enable all parties to put forward their views."

Any offer would be dependent on whether permission for the change of use and a separate licensing application are granted. Decisions are due by Selby District Council next month.

The Press launched its Be Vocal For Your Local campaign in November, calling for people to be given more say on the future of pubs in their area, after three city pubs – The Punch Bowl, The Saddle Inn and The Corner House – were threatened with being converted into supermarkets.

Campaigners also wanted a change in the law, so pubs cannot be converted without planning permission and community consultation.

National planning law currently means pubs can be converted into a wide range of businesses, or demolished, without planning permission or community consultation.