A FAST-GROWING restaurant has drawn up proposals to expand further.

Owner Mark Skillin has submitted plans to convert vacant space on the first floor of The Cotton House in Helmshore into a wine bar and function room.

Expansion plans for the Helmshore Road restaurant come just months after it opened on the ground floor of the former Bridge End Hotel.

Proposals also include converting roof space into a manager’s apartment.

Ming Lee, of Lee Architects Ltd, acting on behalf of Mr Skillin, said the business has done well since it opened and that it wanted to expand.

He said: “The applicant has applied for an expansion of the ground floor business to include a wine bar and function room on the first floor.

“I believe the building used to be an old coach house and it’s a very nice, old style building.

“It was developed into a cafe and restaurant and opened only a couple of months ago.

“Since it opened, the business has gone down well and they now want to expand.

“The business has been a real success and they don’t want to go anywhere else.”

Mr Lee said the function room would be used for events including wedding and business meetings.

He said at least four full-time jobs would be created from the plans, as well as part-time jobs.

He said: “All sorts of people come to the restaurant to have a coffee or something to eat.

“You get mothers and children and it’s a real family restaurant that also attracts walkers and visitors interested in the history of the building.

“The wine bar and function room will bring new visitors and bring a facility to Helmshore which currently isn’t here.

“It will also bring employment and will be a real boost the area.”