A SILVER band has said it has become a victim of its own success after outgrowing the band room which has been its home since the 1960s.

Northallerton Silver Band, based in a two-storey building in Romanby Road, Northallerton, has grown in numbers in recent years, meaning the full band struggle to fit in the designated practice room.

The band’s ultimate aim is to launch its own brass and percussion academy – but band chairman David Prest said there was still a long way to go before the dream could become reality.

“The band owns the property after raising the cash to buy it for ourselves about 18 years ago," he said. “But we have become victims of our own success – most bands have around 25 members but we are now at 36 so when all the musicians and our instruments are in the room it is very cramped.

“Ideally we would like to be on the industrial estate in Northallerton – but first we need a buyer and we need for the right premises to come on the market.

“That way we could have a big practice room plus several teaching rooms. Currently we have three students, all adults, and it would be fantastic to open up to more students.”

Mr Prest said the band has a busy performance schedule and has members from across the region including Bedale, Boroughbridge, Thirsk, Yarm, Stockton and Nunthorpe.

Hambleton District Council planning committee approved the re-submitted plans earlier this month after the first application was deferred for improvements.

The application was for five flats, after being changed from three flats and one house, and was approved despite some opposition from nearby residents.

Marilyn Tyreman objected to the application, outlining concerns about the number of waste bins which would need to be on site; not enough parking spaces; and over access onto an already busy road.

However, the plans were approved by the committee, and Mr Prest said he was pleased another step had been made up the ladder.

He said: “We have been back and forth a few times with the planning side and it has been frustrating as we have missed out on potential new premises for the band.

“But we are glad we can now move forward and hopefully find a buyer for our band room.”