A COUPLE have confirmed they are planning to close their residential home for the elderly as they plan for their own retirement.

Keith and Margaret Knight, both active members of the Wensleydale community, run a home in St Matthew's Terrace, Leyburn.

However, an application has been submitted to Richmondshire District Council for permission to convert the property into two houses and three apartments.

"We informed our staff of our plans some weeks ago and most of the residents have already found alternative accommodation," said Mr Knight.

"It is something we are quite sad about, but we have to look to the future and make our own plans for retirement - and this is what we decided."

The council's officers will submit a report on the application to the authority's planning committee, for consideration within the next few weeks.