COSTLY and difficult planning procedures have been a major factor in the closure of a Craven business with the loss of 13 jobs, the firm’s founder has claimed.

Tom Lambert said he had taken the decision to close Daleswear Outdoors Ltd – which he started at Ingleton 37 years ago – as he cannot afford to keep it open.

The company began as a manufacturer of outdoor clothing, but had gradually evolved to become a retail and mail order firm for outdoor clothing and camping equipment, Mr Lambert said.

But he claims Craven District Council planning problems forced him to close the firm.

Mr Lambert said: “With the right planning permissions in place I could have employed 30 people, perhaps more.

“I engaged a consultant to find out exactly what I needed to do in planning terms from Craven District Council but he could not get answers.

“Planners told me to do an ‘impact study’ on something I’d already been doing for ten years! The planning permission I was eventually granted was so restrictive I could not attract the investors I needed to carry on trading. I ran out of time and money to appeal against what are, in my view, illogical restrictions.”

Daleswear moved to a purpose-built unit in Ingleton in 2005, after working from several locations in the village. It was once the largest employer in Ingleton. The firm is due to close in 11 weeks.

Mr Lambert said he had asked Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith to intervene with planners on his behalf, but even this ultimately had not helped.

He added: “Increasing overheads have made it vital for me to use every inch of the property as efficiently as possible, yet I am told by the planners I must use one area for shop, another for a warehouse, another as an office.

“Because of these restrictions it has proved impossible to put forward a realistic business plan. I am absolutely gutted.

"Daleswear has employed lots of local people over the years, and we have always had excellent and loyal staff. This business could have been saved if I’d been able to do what I needed to do within the four walls. It’s a sad day for Ingleton.”

A Craven District Council spokesman said: “The loss of a business and local employer within the district is regrettable.

“Earlier in the year, the council’s chief executive, Paul Shevlin, visited Daleswear and met the owner to see if there were ways the council could assist. It is a great pity the company has not been able to overcome its financial problems.

“Daleswear was required to comply with the same planning requirements as any other business, which seeks to ensure large out-of-own retailing units in rural locations do not unacceptably damage the vitality and viability of existing village and town centres.”

Julian Smith MP said: “It is extremely disappointing to hear about the closure of Daleswear. It is particularly important to ensure all lessons are learnt regarding this closure to ensure we avoid this kind of job loss in the future. I sympathise with those who have lost their jobs and will help them in any way I can to secure new work.”