PLANNERS are set to run the rule over a scheme aimed at turning former RAF buildings near Selby into a new bakery.

The proposal to breathe new life into the “eyesore” site by the side of the A163 at Barlby has been submitted as the owners of the business look to expand their operation.

Selby District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans, which have been drawn up by Goole-based RP Masters & Sons and focus on land previously used to house RAF personnel during the Second World War, next month.

If successful, the bakery business would be run by a relative of the owners of an agricultural contractor’s firm which is already operating at the Market Weighton Road site.

The applicants said the scheme would lead to “dilapidated” buildings which have recently been used as piggeries being bulldozed.

“The site was used by the RAF during the Second World War and has been allowed to deteriorate,” said a statement submitted with the application.

“The existing buildings on site are in a poor state and two have already been demolished and replaced with buildings to house agricultural contractor’s equipment. The total site area is ideally located for the applicant’s business.

“The proposal is for a single-storey building which will allow for the production of bread and satisfy the growth of a local business venture. The bakery has outgrown its existing premises and is developing new lines of organic produce, and the surrounding area will be cleared and landscaped, which will remove an eyesore.”

The applicants said the Barlby site had been chosen because of its close road links to Selby and other parts of Yorkshire, with the A163 running alongside. If the proposals win permission, a dry goods store and a shop with disabled access will also be created, along with better routes in and out of the site for vehicles and customers.

They also said any odours from the bread-production process would not have an effect on residents as the nearest homes are some distance away from the site.