HUNDREDS of people have objected to plans for a new asphalt plant on the outskirts of a village, claiming it will have a “terrible impact” on their lives.

Tynedale Roadstone, part of the Durham-based MGL Group, wants to build a new plant on a previously developed plot to the west of Hessay Industrial Estate, within the York green belt.

The company already operates plants in Barton, near Darlington, and Newcastle, and needs to build a third plant to meet an increased demand for road surfacing materials in the York area.

But York City Council has already received more than 200 objections from residents of Hessay and other villages along the A59. York Outer MP Julian Sturdy, Hessay Parish Council and ward councillor Chris Steward are also calling for it to be turned down.

Their main concerns are an increase in HGVs on the already busy A59, as well as the visual impact on the village, unpleasant odours and noise pollution.

Steve Mills, of AVOID (A59 Villagers Oppose Inappropriate Development), said: “It is flawed in so many ways. There would be a significant increase in HGVs on the already busy A59; there would be even more congestion at the Hessay junction, which is dangerous enough as it is; and there’d be lengthy operating hours and the risk of significant air and noise pollution.

"Quite simply, it would be a totally inappropriate use of green belt land.”

Mark Barratt, of Hessay Parish Council, said there had been three serious accidents involving HGVs on the A59 in recent months, adding:

“We will continue to oppose this nonsense of an application and would encourage all those who haven’t objected yet to do so right away.”

In documents submitted with the application, the applicant said detailed assessments had found the site to be suitable, and claimed vibration, odour and vermin were not associated with construction or operation of the plant.

A spokesperson for Tynedale Roadstone’s planning agent, Act Projects, said: “The applicant understands that people have concerns and has been fully open in the approach to and presentation of the planning application and supporting information.

“The proposed development is on an existing industrial site allocated for employment use.

The expressed concerns and opinions of the locals have been acknowledged and the applicant has openly and seriously looked to address them and has been working with the council to do so.

“The full particulars of the planning application, assessments, consultations and responses are publically available and the application is now to be considered and assessed by the council.”

  • The public can comment online at york.gov.uk until August 15