“But for all of Whitby’s wind-blasted grandeur, it still retains a quaint seaside charm. “The fish and chips here are some of the best in the country – check out Royal Fisheries near the train station ...

“Everywhere I went in Whitby, people were talking to me about the application which is unusual. “It hit a nerve with locals and I’m very pleased that today’s outcome recognises the views of residents.

Dozens of residents and visitors have supported plans to convert Whitby’s former HSBC Bank into a new restaurant with holiday accommodation.