CONTROVERSIAL plans to open up a quarry for mineral extraction and an associated tourism development close to the A1 are to be considered by planners next week.

Developers J Allison and Sherburn Stone Company Ltd are seeking planning permission for a mineral extraction site, at Middleton Lodge, near Middleton Tyas.

It is planned to install a conveyor belt to connect the proposed new quarry with the neighbouring Barton Quarry.

The application also includes plans to enhance existing park land and create a ‘quarry garden’ using land from the planned extraction area.

Plans to create a restaurant, function rooms, estate shop and holiday cottages are also included in the application.

North Yorkshire County Council’s planning and regulatory functions committee will consider the application in a meeting next week.

In a report to committee members, Richard Flinton, the county council’s director of business and environmental services, recommends that the application is refused.

He concluded that the application was not in keeping with the council’s planning policy.

Mr Flinton wrote: "The applicants see the proposed tourism facilities as a means to re-use historic buildings on the estate and provide new facilities for the local community "However, no evidence has been provided that the proposal offers the prospect of tackling a serious unemployment problem.

"The development will change the appearance of the landscape.

"In terms of its contribution to the environment, a significant portion of the site will be to non-nature conservation uses, be they the quarry garden or agriculture."

County councillor Michael Heseltine, the member for Richmondshire North, is one of a number of objectors, including local residents and parish councils.

He said: "It is difficult to regard it as other than devastating a lovely park land landscape.

"To me and many others, the idea of restoring the derelict buildings is a separate matter."

Concerns raised by objectors include: * impact on local housing from dust and noise;

* blasting impacts such as potential damage to property and the scaring of livestock;

* drainage issues - possible disruption to water courses and springs;

* visual impact.

The committee will meet on Tuesday, at 10am, in County Hall, Northallerton.