Agricultural supplies company Carr’s Billington is planning to open a new branch between Darlington and Richmond as part of a business park expansion.
Plans have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council for a new industrial unit with retail showroom, offices and workshop facilities at Western House Business Park, off East Road, around half a mile east of Melsonby.
Planning documents describe the scheme as a “logical extension” to the existing park that would support continued economic growth and investment in the area.
The building would provide around 1,385 square metres of floor space across workshop areas, parts storage, offices, staff facilities and a retail showroom.
A first-floor mezzanine would include additional office accommodation, meeting space and storage.
External works would include a secure service yard, seven parking spaces, electric vehicle charging bays, cycle parking and an outdoor display area.
Developers say the design has been created to fit with the existing appearance of Western House Business Park, using a mix of brown composite cladding and buff stone walling.
Solar panels and skylights are also proposed as part of the development’s sustainability measures.
Planning papers state that the site has been positioned to reduce its visual impact on the surrounding countryside, with existing buildings helping to screen it from East Road.
The application says the new facility would provide a “high-quality modern employment facility” while supporting local jobs and rural business growth.
Supporting documents conclude: “Careful consideration has been given to layout, scale, appearance and access to ensure the development integrates successfully within the rural landscape setting.
“The proposals accord with national and local planning policy objectives relating to good design and sustainable development and will not result in adverse impacts on the character of the wider countryside.”
The business park was previously racehorse stables operated by top dual-purpose trainer Alan Swinbank until his death in 2017.
Planning permission for the park was granted in 2019 by the former Richmondshire District Council.
