A BEAUTY spot could be turned into a quarry where 850,000 tonnes of sand and gravel would be worked over almost nine years.

The scheme at Ripon City Quarry, next to the city's racecourse, has sparked a protest petition with 435 names from nearby Littlethorpe Parish Council.

But quarry firm Brown and Potter's plan has received more than 77 letters of support, including one from the Newby Hall Estate.

North Yorkshire County Council planning committee, which has already visited the site, will make its final decision on Tuesday.

Recommending approval environmental services director Mike Moore said the impact of the new development on the area, which has been reduced from 44 acres to 42 acres, would not warrant refusal.