CONTROVERSIAL proposals to amend a potash mine planning application have today been approved – despite concerns over the impact on the North York Moors National Park.

Sirius Minerals started construction work on their Woodsmith potash mine near Whitby in the spring but later sought amendments to some of the layout, shaft access arrangements and construction methodology.

Objectors claimed that the amendments would mean the mine had a greater impact on the landscape than first proposed, but yesterday the North York Moors National Park planning committee approved the revisions.

Tom Chadwick, chair of the North Yorkshire Moors Association, spoke out against the amendments at the planning meeting in Helmsley and said he was disappointed that the revisions were approved.

He said: “As far as we are concerned the objections that we put forward are predominantly that this new application from Sirius Minerals further degrades the National Park, and the minehead site is what we are talking about in particular.”

Mr Chadwick said that even though the site is not yet complete, it is already a “blot on the landscape” even at night-time due to the industrial lighting.

Ruth Bradshaw, of the Campaign for National Parks, which also opposed the amendments, said they would continue to scrutinise and monitor the site.

She said: “It is increasing the size of some of the buildings and it is going to increase some of the visual impact at the mining site in that part of the National Park.”

Sirius Minerals say the environmental impact of the revised application is similar to the approved scheme with some advantages, including the removal of two 45m winding towers.

A company spokesman said: "The project design sets new standards for developing a mine in a sensitive area, from sinking headframes underground to building an underground transport system. 

"We have always been committed to reducing the impacts wherever we can and also to making a lasting and positive difference to the local area by delivering this exceptional project. 

"We are making great progress and have already created over 300 new jobs, with many more to come, and have so far contributed over £2m to local landscape and ecology schemes, tree planting, tourism promotion and rail improvements."