CONTROVERSIAL plans for an asphalt quarry on the outskirts of a town have been finally rejected.

Campaigners said a "dark cloud" has been lifted after the plans for the edge the edge of Norton, near Malton, were turned down.

An appeal to the planning inspectorate by the owners of Whitewall Quarry was dismissed on the grounds its location was unsuitable, along with impact on the environment, surrounding roads and racehorse industry.

Leading campaigner against the application, Ryedale councillor Luke Ives, said: "For nearly three years a dark cloud has loomed over Malton and Norton, but finally the towns can breathe a sigh of relief.

"It has been clear all along that Whitewall Quarry is a completely unsuitable location to situate an asphalt plan, as demonstrated by the unprecedented number of objections and the unanimous refusals by the town, district and county councils.

"I am pleased that the Inspector shared the community’s concerns in relation to the development’s potential impact on the highways network and the neighbouring horse racing industry.”