Plans for MOT facility at Metcalfe Farms Leyburn approved

Richmondshire District Council greenlit the proposal to convert an agricultural building at Washfold Farm, Moor Road, Leyburn, for the new industrial use.

The facility, which covers 1,116 sq. metres, is operated by Metcalfe Farms.

Conversion proposals will see the building's current agricultural use change to become a site for MOT testing.

Metcalfe Farms, already a significant local employer with 160 full-time staff, is set to add 10 more full-time positions with this new venture.

The company, which also has farming and haulage businesses, and operates TT Autotechnics, sees the MOT facility as a natural progression for its services.

The council's decision letter confirmed that the development must begin within three years of the approval date, which was October 23.

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All development must be carried out in accordance with the approved plans and drawings, ensuring compliance with planning regulations.

The new facility will utilise the existing access and drainage systems at the site, and no new or altered access points are proposed for vehicles or pedestrians.

The proposed development is not expected to have any adverse impact on local properties or the community.

It is not within a flood-risk area, and no increase in flood risk is anticipated.

The proposal also meets the small site exemption for biodiversity net gain requirements.

The new facility will connect to the existing package treatment plant on site for foul sewage.

Plans also include separate storage for recyclable waste.

The development follows a previous successful application for an extension for machinery storage and an agricultural workshop at the same site.