RE-OPENING Melsonby quarry, near the A1 Barton interchange, would damage the countryside and create possible dust and noise problems, planners have warned.

A report due to be delivered to Richmondshire district council's environment committee on Tuesday says proposed tree-planting to screen the site would not be effective for several years, and it urges members to refuse the application.

Ward councillor Campbell Dawson has backed Barton residents' fears about dust from the proposed workings.

Dimensional English Stone wants to re-work the 2.2-acre site for ten to 15 years to extract block limestone for building and facing.

North Yorkshire County Council will take the final decision.