PLANNING officers are recommending councillors make a site visit before making a decision on a proposed carriage workshop and storage facility in Pickering.

An application has been made by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) for land north of Rock Cottage.

It includes a carriage stable, with associated storage, a workshop for the restoration of historic carriages, staff facilities, including accommodation, 12 new parking spaces and a new vehicle access bridge to replace the existing access over Pickering Beck.

The application has received 31 letters of objection and 35 letters of support.

A report to Ryedale District Council’s (RDC) planning committee next Tuesday, said the site is located about 400 metres beyond the nearest point of the town development limit in Newbridge.

“It is also located outside of the conservation area and visually important undeveloped area, the northern limits of both are approximately 200 metres to the south of the site,” the report adds. “The whole of the site is, however, located with the local landscape designation of being an area of high landscape value."

The report states that matters considered to be relevant to the consideration of this application include flood risk, access, tourism issues, landscape impact, heritage issues and noise.

The report adds: “While a number of technical consultees have responded there remain a number outstanding consultees which include matters such as surface water drainage, public rights of way and the office of rail regulation.

"Consultee responses relating to archaeology and biodiversity issues also require further negotiation with the developer and this means that at the current time it is not possible to fully appraise the proposal and make a final recommendation to members.

“It is anticipated that outstanding responses will be to hand in advance of the February meeting of the planning committee.

"Prior to that meeting it is considered that members would benefit from visiting the site in order to see the site in its context and to appreciate the differing views that have been expressed on the application from supporters and objectors to the scheme.”