Planning permission for a single-storey extension on a former animal rescue centre to create a joinery workshop has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council.

The plans refer to the former animal rescue centre at the Firby Buildings, in Borough Road, Gallowfields Trading Estate, Richmond.

According to a planning statement, the existing unit is currently empty and underused, and was formerly an animal rescue centre, now defunct.

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The applicant, Andy Whiteside Joinery is an established and reputable local business supporting local jobs and economic growth and this development will facilitate the expansion of the business and put it on a sustainable footing for years to come.

The applicant said finding a property for sale within Gallowfields Trading estate has been "extremely difficult."

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The statement added: "The proposed extension will create additional high quality commercial floor space at Gallowfields Trading Estate and will support the sustainable operation of a local business with long-established links with the area.

"The floorspace will allow the expansion of the business with the creation of two new full-time equivalent jobs."