AN old shoe factory in Leyburn is to be given a new lease of life as a carpet warehouse.

The district council's policies normally dictate that new retail ventures should be encouraged in town centres.

However, Ravane claimed there were no other suitable buildings in the town big enough to cope with the loading and unloading operations necessary in the carpet industry.

The former Peter Black factory was also ideal as it had a concrete floor, sturdy enough to cope with a three-ton forklift truck.

Richmondshire District Council's planning committee agreed to allow Ravane to use the building to store and sell its products.

However, officers emphasised an exception was only being made as the company was unlikely to find another suitable base in the area