A FARM'S diversification plans are likely to suffer a blow, with councillors set to reject an indoor go-karting scheme.

Owners of Broken Brea Farm at Easby, near Richmond, began operating the karting track in a grain store without permission last year.

Now, a retrospective planning application is expected to be turned down by Richmondshire district councillors next Tuesday.

Under the proposals, the track would be run seven days a week, from 10am to 11pm, until the end of August.

But planning and development unit manager Patrick Earle said he would be recommending refusal because of the adverse impact on nearby residents and the general countryside setting.

Planning officials also received a letter of complaint from local residents, saying the noise levels were unacceptable.

Their letter added: "The go-karts skid around and the noise appears to echo and resound around the empty barn.

"Several times we have heard screeching of car tyres and looked up to see a car exiting the farm at high speed and seen a near accident. The safety of the general public will be affected if the go-karting continues."