A FINAL decision on whether Leeming Bar industrial estate can be extended, attracting new firms and creating more jobs, is likely to rest with the Government.

The 30-year-old estate, home to some of the biggest employers in North Yorkshire, now has no land left for sale, the last plot having been disposed of in June.

The estate in Leases Road was opened during the last days of the old Bedale Rural Council and has been developed and enlarged in stages since 1973.

Now Hambleton District Council, which took it over, wants to develop a fourth phase by creating an extension on almost 20 acres north of the existing buildings.

After engaging consultants to undertake a feasibility study, Hambleton prepared designs and submitted a planning application which will be considered by the development control committee on Thursday.

However, the scheme has brought complaints from people living in and around Leases Road who claim it will mean more traffic, particularly lorries, with problems of vibration, noise, pollution and danger to cyclists, pedestrians, schoolchildren and horse riders.

Planning officers are recommending approval for the scheme subject to 17 conditions but say that, because it involves more land than is allocated in the district-wide local plan, it should be referred to the Environment Secretary for a decision.

Land issues surrounding the scheme have been complicated by the need to allow for a new junction at Leeming Bar when the A1 is upgraded to motorway standard and for the projected route of a Bedale, Aiskew and Leeming Bar relief road.

Hunting Bill

PARLIAMENT is expected to reach a decision on the issue of hunting with dogs during its new term.

The Queen's Speech on Wednesday announced that a Bill would be brought forward. The Countryside Alliance said it looked forward to seeing the details, which were currently unclear.