A FIRM behind proposals to build a £1.5bn mine have submitted plans for the development.

Sirius Minerals has made its application to extract the fertiliser polyhalite from under the North York Moors National Park, near Whitby.

Bosses say the scheme, known as the York Potash Project, could create about 1,000 jobs.

The company has submitted applications for the mine and a mineral transport system to the North York Moors National Park Authority and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

It said the process for a separate handling site will be looked at by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Decisions are expected in January.

Chris Fraser, Sirius’managing director and chief executive, said: “We believe we have a compelling planning case that clearly demonstrates the York Potash Project can deliver exceptional economic benefits, not only locally here in North Yorkshire and in Teesside, but also for the wider UK economy.

“We have planned the project with a very high regard for the environment and where possible

minimising associated impacts.

“However, it is now for each authority to determine the applications according to the relevant policies and we keenly await their decisions.”

The company is also working on a harbour ay Bran Sands, Teesside.

The plans include a new quay, alongside ship loading equipment, buildings and a conveyor link to a proposed materials handling site at Wilton, near Redcar.

An application for a development consent order is expected to be delivered to the Planning Inspectorate in December.