A PLANNING application for Whitewall Quarry in Norton, has been deferred yet again by North Yorkshire County Council.

Members of the county council's planning committee had been due to discuss the application by W Clifford Watts to install an asphalt production plant on the outskirts of the town at a meeting yesterday (Tuesday).

However, the plans, which were intially due to be discussed at the commitee's December meeting, are now scheduled to be considered at the next committee in June.

David Watts, a director with the company, said it was getting increasingly frustrating.

"This is costing us time and money," he added.

In March the plans were recommended for refusal by Ryedale District Council.

The matter had been referred to the district council for a formal response following concerns relating to noise, emissions and traffic.

Members of Norton Action Group (NAG) have also campaigned against the application arguing the plant is in an unsuitable and unacceptable location, which would have a detrimental impact on Malton and Norton.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire County Council said: "Information is continuing to be considered by the County Council as the determining Planning Authority. Postponement of decisions due to more information needing to be considered is not unusual in dealing with planning applications of significant public interest and complex issues."