DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott may intervene in a dispute over a quarry development.

The scheme, by Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd, at Pateley Bridge Quarry, Greenhow, conflicts with development plans by North Yorkshire County Council, so it has been recommended that the matter be refered to Mr Prescott. The company wants to extend the quarry to allow it to process waste, tipped materials and unsaleable products.

A North Yorkshire County Council planning committee will discuss the issue next Tuesday.

Environmental services director Mike Moore is recommending councillors refer the application to Mr Prescott.

But if the Deputy Prime Minister chooses not to intervene, Mr Moore will recommend approval with a number of conditions.

Among objectors to the scheme is Harrogate Borough Council and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, which say the scheme would harm the site in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Meanwhile, the Countryside Agency has called for public rights of way to be safeguarded if the scheme is given the go-ahead.

Bewerley Parish Council has complained on behalf of residents concerned about the impact of the extension on their local area.

Planning approval was first granted by the former West Riding County Council for extraction of limestone in 1949.

In 1992 further permissions were granted allowing an extension of the quarry, construction of an existing perimeter embankment south of the site, and a new access road, diverting traffic away from Greenhow village.

In a bid to minimise the impact on the landscape, the applicants have designed a scheme carried out over four phases, the first two being completed within two-and-a-half years, with progressive restoration.

The site provides work for 22 people, as well as road hauliers, and the applicants estimate the site contributes £6m to the economy.