Major hotel and store bid at Dales gateway

EXPANSIVE HOTEL and restaurant plans have been revealed for fields which once hosted a food festival within the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.

The major scheme, which could be one of the biggest in recent history for Leyburn, would also see a country goods superstore the size of a large Tesco built.

Sam Turner and Sons and Inn Collection have jointly made the submission, for fields off Harmby Road which once housed the former Dales Festival of Food and Drink.

“The application seeks to enhance the provision of high quality, modern and accredited hotel stock in Richmondshire by providing a new hotel in Leyburn, a popular tourist destination situated in a gateway location to the Yorkshire Dales, therefore promoting the growth of Richmondshire’s tourist economy,” a spokesman said.

It is believed the application could form the second largest development ever in Leyburn, and could create scores of jobs including up to 40 in the hotel alone.

The hotel would have 40 ensuite rooms, documents submitted to Richmondshire District Council show, a 158-cover restaurant with an outdoor terrace and play area.

The country store building, the same size of an average Tesco superstore, would house an outdoor area for garden centre sales, a play barn and a cafe.

Neighbouring residents have raised concerns, including over flooding, traffic control, and pollution.

But Coun Karin Sedgwick, district and county councillor, said this could benefit the town in terms of offer and employment, as well as accommodation.

“The world is expanding, England is expanding, Leyburn is expanding,” she added. “This is evolution.”