PLANNING officials are supporting plans for a new tip on the edge of Catterick Village.

There has been stiff opposition to a bid to the use of Pallett Hill Quarry for the disposal of inert waste, such as building rubble.

Despite a public meeting last September and a number of amendments to the project, some local residents remain adamant the proposals will ruin an area between Catterick racecourse and the A1 which has become a wildlife habitat popular with walkers.

Nevertheless, when members of North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee consider a report on the scheme today, it concludes with a recommendation that the Pallett Hill Sand and Gravel Company's proposals are approved - but with stringent conditions aimed at limiting the amount of noise and disturbance.

If the project goes ahead, it will be in three phases over five years, and would include filling in part of a pond on the site.

Afterwards, the land would be returned to pasture, with some landscaping work to encourage wildlife to return to the areas around the edges of the remaining pond.