CONTROVERSIAL plans for a recycling plant and waste transfer station at Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, are likely to be approved.

Local people formed an action group to fight the application, arguing that lorries using the site would be a hazard to children and that odours from the plant would affect the estate. They were also concerned about an increase in vermin and the potential devaluation of house prices.

But despite renewed protests against the plans it looks like the application, by Premier Waste Management, could win approval when members of Durham County Council consider them on Wednesday.

In a report by John Suckling, the council's head of planning, members will be recommended to accept the plans. At the end of last year county councillors deferred the matter for a review of other possible locations and raised concerns about adequate screening.

The application went back before Teesdale council earlier this year, when members supported it as the only suitable location in the dale.

The action group has vowed to fight on.