THE future of a well-known Dales business looks uncertain after objections from planning officers.

The directors of engineering company JT Universal, in Station Yard, Leyburn, have withdrawn a change of use retrospective planning application.

The move comes after Richmondshire District Council planning officers recommended that the application be refused.

Officers said the light engineering, fabrication and welding plant, in a former coal bagging plant caused noise, disturbance and traffic problems for residents and other businesses.

But company bosses have rejected the claims.

The company employs five full-time and three part-time workers. Director Christian Russell, who runs the company with John Thistlethwaite, said: "If we get turfed out of here, I don't know what would happen.

"This is the perfect site for us and there's nowhere else in Wensleydale we could go.

"We provide a vital service to the local area."

In a report to members, Richmondshire council planning officer Brian Hodges said: "The uses encompassed within this application generate noise, disturbance and traffic, which is harmful to the amenities of residential property in the locality, as well as affecting other businesses.

"Furthermore, it is inconsistent with the policy objectives to promote recreation and tourism on the adjoining land at Leyburn Station Yard.

"It is recognised that this an existing business employing eight people and that the refusal of planning permission would have a significant impact.

"Nevertheless, in my opinion the balance of consideration does not support the granting of planning permission in this case."

The company moved to the yard from a site near Bellerby about a year ago.

The application to change the use from coal plant to engineering workshop was due to be heard at a planning meeting on Wednesday.

However, JT Universal withdrew the application in order to talk to planning consultants.

Three letters opposing the application were received from Leyburn residents.

One, from Brentwood, Leyburn, said: "This planning application is totally inappropriate for this site."

However, Leyburn Parish Council did not oppose the application.