DEVELOPMENT plans for a quarry in a North Yorkshire beauty spot are likely to be opposed.

Planning officers have recommended that Harrogate Borough councillors oppose the plan by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd for Coldstones Quarry, Greenhow, Pateley Bridge, when they meet next Tuesday.

The company is applying to create a large embankment, which would involve removing topsoil for later restoration works.

A report to borough planners says the scheme would operate for 19 years.

Six years ago, the borough council awarded the quarry an award for its environmental excellence.

The company, which was refused a similar scheme last year, said the quarry has 13.5 million tonnes - which could provide 14 years of work at current production levels -but without more tipping facilities, full exploitation of the reserves would be frustrated.

The council has been consulted on the application, which will be decided by North Yorkshire County Council.

Borough council planning officer Mike Warden recommends that councillors object because of the harm the development would cause to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - unless the county was satisfied there was an over-riding national need for stone from the quarry.

The quarry employs 22 people.

In addition, there are hauliers who rely on the operation for their livelihoods.

The quarry is said to generate employment for many skilled local contractors providing specialist services, including electricians, mechanics and suppliers of plant hire, earth-moving and landscaping equipment.

When county councillors met last year to consider a similar scheme, it was refused by five votes to four.