A PLAN to transform an agricultural building and stables in a rural area close to the Yorkshire Dales National Park to launch a dog hydrotherapy business has been revealed.

The planning application to change the use of the property in Bellerby, near Leyburn, to Richmondshire District Council follows some of the authority’s councillors pressing to allow more owners of former farm buildings to change their use to provide housing and business opportunities.

Leading politicians have argued that rural areas, and in particular ones which have proved popular with buyers of holiday homes, can not be “preserved in aspic” at the cost of the local economy and families who have lived there for generations.

The authority’s plan until 2028 states it will work towards a more diverse, competitive and successful rural economy, with more people living and working locally, reducing commuting to and from the plan area.

In a report to planners, agents on behalf of Jemma Asher, of Westfields Farm, said it was hoped to change of use of a 9m by 18m agricultural and equestrian building to a mixed use for stables, agricultural storage and canine hydrotherapy.

It states the farm off Moor Road is a former agricultural unit, which has become a home, bed and breakfast business and smallholding, with a small agricultural enterprise and the change of use would necessitate some changes to the exterior of the building, including a new entrance door with access ramp and steps.

The report states the business will focus on treating chronic conditions, post-operative recovery, and pre-operative or general fitness in dogs.

It adds: “The proposed use is to allow the applicant to work from home, enabling her to minimise her own travel and be on hand for her young child and horses. The use will operate primarily during daytime hours, though she may also offer one or two early evening appointments to cater for working clients. The development simply facilitates home working.

“The National Policy Planning Framework states that in rural areas there should be a positive approach to new sustainable development and that the growth of all types of business, both through the conversion of existing buildings and well-designed new buildings.”