A MAJOR campaign to give a new lease of life to one of the earliest stations on the Wensleydale railway is set to receive a boost this week.

Planners are expected to give enthusiasts the go-ahead to convert the Victorian railway station at Leeming Bar, near Northallerton, back to its original use ready for limited passenger trains to start running again in the summer.

Campaigners are aiming to invest millions of pounds in rejuvenating a 22-mile stretch of the former Wensleydale line between Northallerton and Redmire.

And, if Hambleton District Council grants approval for the Leeming Bar project on Thursday, the scheme would take another big step forward.

Officials are backing the proposals, despite opposition from Aiskew parish councillors who fear that the area could become over-run with hundreds of cars.

Hambleton planning officer Diane Baines said: "The site, although not allocated for industrial use, has an office and industrial permission and is surrounded by industrial uses.

"The amenity of properties on Leases Road is therefore very limited - it is not considered that the railway use will cause the quality of living conditions to become worse. Management of the site and improvements to its appearance are likely to make a positive contribution to living conditions - the development is therefore considered acceptable."

The association has applied to change the office on the site to a railway station, with a ticket office and shop.

Car parking will be provided for all rail users and spaces are also to be allocated to local residents.

The matter will be considered by the council's planning committee when it meets at the Stone Cross civic centre, in Northallerton.