PROPOSALS for a waste transfer site at Brompton-on-Swale were rejected by planning councillors but relieved residents were warned to brace themselves for an appeal.

Richmondshire District Council environment committee agreed with planners that the scheme put forward by Yorwaste for the former Towngate site in Bridge Road would be a blight on nearby businesses and homes.

They also feared the development would deter businesses fmoving to the Gatherley Road industrial estate, which was in the throes of regeneration.

About 50 residents and traders attended the committee on Tuesday, when members heard 125 individual letters of objection had been received.

Peter Featherstone, building control team leader, said Yorwaste had asked for a deferral to allow further information to be provided.

But he said the proposals contravened the local plan and were incompatible with the character and uses of that part of the industrial estate.

If Yorwaste appealed against the decision, the matter would be taken out of the council's hands and a government inspector would rule on the application.

Coun Jim Fryer, committee chairman and ward member, said there had been a huge weight of public opposition to the proposed development, which would come within yards of homes and businesses.

Some businesses had vowed to quit the estate if the plans won approval, fearing smell and noise from the waste transfer station would deter customers and make life unbearable for staff.

Mr Featherstone hoped to arrange a meeting with Yorwaste to discuss alternative options, which included a temporary building on a site already used for waste.

It is not yet known whether Yorwaste will appeal but, after the meeting, Coun Fryer said: "I hope Yorwaste will not go to appeal and let this drag on with all the upset that it has caused to residents and businesses."