A NEW business could open near Tockwith if a planning application is approved.
Animalcare Group plc has applied to change the use and extend the opening hours at the Tomlinsons Antiques site at Moorside.
If successful, the company will use the site for manufacturing and distributing products for the agricultural, equine and
pet sectors.
A spokesman for Tomlinsons said the antiques company plans to downsize but hopes to remain in the local area.
In its application, currently lodged with Harrogate Borough Council, Animalcare Group, which has four sites at Masham, Newton Aycliffe, York and Northamptonshire, said: “The aim of the business is to consolidate a number of these functions on one site.
“Its relatively rural but highly accessible location making it appropriate for the sector it serves.”
The document adds: “The proposal will consolidate a growing manufacturing and distribution business within the Harrogate district and will bring a large number of jobs to the Harrogate area.
“The total jobs on site will be approximately 108. This is a net gain in employment for the district of some 40 plus people. The aim is to increase employment on the site and to create more jobs if appropriate.”
However, several local residents have written to Harrogate Borough Council objecting to company’s plans for extended opening hours.
They say there will be potential additional noise and the additional storage area will be used to hold chemicals.
Although the opening hours would be 6am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, the site would be open until 10pm on 10 days each year for demonstrations.
It would also be open 10 Saturdays and five Sundays annually from 6am to 8pm, and factory workers would be on site from 6am to 8pm on 50 additional days during peak demand, rather than the usual 7am to 5pm.
The application said the company plans to put measures in place to avoid the noise disturbing surrounding residents, but Tockwith Parish Council has already requested the planning department imposes conditions to limit noise levels and hours of operation.
The application is still under consideration as Harrogate Borough Council awaits further details on measures to limit noise outside normal working hours.
Details of the plans are available by visiting www.harrogate.gov.uk/planning, quoting reference 09/04337/FUL or calling 01423 556666.
