THE future of the Out to Grass mountain board centre in Cradley remains uncertain.

Its owner, Ian Johnson, had just three minutes to outline his case for planning permission at a meeting of Hereford-shire Council's northern area planning committee on Wed-nesday.

The centre has been open for some three years, but was threatened with closure in August after complaints of noise.

Mr Johnson applied for planning permission to continue to operate and at this week's meeting, councillors had been recommended to grant permission, subject to a string of conditions.

But a decision was deferred to allow officers to find out more about Mr Johnson's plans for the site.

Mr Johnson said the three minutes he was allowed in the meeting did not give him enough time to explain his plans.

The parish councils of Cradley and Evesbatch backed the centre, as did Ledbury and District Society Trust, and there were 75 letters of support and a petition signed by more than 600 people.

There were three objections, citing the environmental impact of the centre and traffic.

Mr Johnson said he intended to apply for a grant to set up a transport scheme for children who cannot get to the site. He also wants to improve facilities for the disabled, including the supply of disabled buggies.

A picnic area is also being considered and Mr Johnson wants to look at renewable energy sources to power vehicles used on the site.

But he is concerned that the condition which will only give him permission to operate for three years, will make it impossible for him to make long-term investment plans.

"I'm preparing my case for the next meeting in a month's time and am confident that, with all the support that I have, I can successfully answer any questions," he said.