AN INCINERATOR to burn complete animal carcases can be built at a Cleveland village under certain conditions, the North York Moors National Park Authority agreed yesterday.

It will replace equipment at Stable House slaughterhouse, at Charltons, near Guisborough, despite a protest there last week.

The business has been operated by the Noddings family for 65 years and employs eight staff.

Fallen stock is disposed of, but new equipment is needed to meet European rules requiring the disposal of complete carcases.

Owner Edward Nodding told yesterday's planning committee meeting he was saddened by objectors' "harassment and intimidation" and by suggestions he wanted to blight the village.

"My family have operated there for many years. We live in Charltons and our contribution to its life is second-to-none. The people are very close to our hearts."

Park authority member Coun John Fletcher, of Great Ayton, said: "I'm saddened about this unrest. The new incinerator will be far superior and more efficient."

Planners will work with Mr Noddings to divert a footpath and tidy up the site. No night-time operations are permitted.

Authority members visited Charltons last week, where objectors held a demonstration.

Protester Len Peacock said: "We have no problem with a knacker's yard but this is different altogether. The business has been here for a long time but we think there are better places for an incinerator."

He said 40 protesters, including children, turned up, despite bad weather.

"When the application appeared, I was approached by some lasses in the village about a petition. We've collected 188 signatures in the area - 50pc of households signed it."

He feared the incinerator would burn 24 hours a day, was unhappy with its proximity to a children's play field, felt it would be an eyesore and that property values would fall. The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, recently said there should be no major developments in national parks, he added.

Talking about another controversial incinerator in Weardale, he said: "They had to have a survey and all sorts of things before that received permission. They say emissions (at Charltons) are safe, but we want it monitored."

But Mr Noddings said: "The incinerator will be up-to-date. There will be no intensification of business. At present, some carcases are transported elsewhere but this new incinerator would cut traffic by 50pc.

"The emissions will be monitored by Redcar and Cleveland Council, which won't tolerate anything which breaks EU rules. It's the safest way to go. At present, we don't even have to answer to the council because our plant is so small.

"Many demonstrators were not actually from the village. A lot of hysteria was caused and we're unhappy that it has divided the village. It's a shame."

Some residents supported him. Eighty-year-old Joan Haygarth said: "I don't want to belittle other people's opinions, but I'm annoyed with some protesters' tactics. They organised the demonstration secretly, yet told the media and the national park they represented most of the village. But many weren't from the village.

"To my amazement, the no-lobby warned me against speaking to the press. This is England - a democracy! I may be only 5ft high, but I'm not timid and won't be intimidated.

"I'm also unhappy with the wild scare-stories. People say the chimney will be three storeys high and terribly dangerous, but that's quite untrue. There is no danger to health.

"The Noddings are good people who have done a lot for the village. I believe in progress - in protecting the environment and jobs."