OVER the past two years, the towns of Malton and Norton have been plagued by the threat of an asphalt plant at Whitewall Quarry.

Such a development would increase traffic on our already congested road network, emit odorous pollutants into the environment and cause an unacceptable noise impact.

Most importantly it would pose a significant danger to the neighbouring horse-training industry, which contributes more than £12m every year to the local economy.

However, you look at it, Whitewall Quarry is in a completely unsuitable location for further development as a heavy industrial site.

We were therefore delighted when the planning committee of North Yorkshire County Council joined Ryedale District Council and the town council in unanimously refusing permission.

However, it would appear that Watts is hell-bent on building the plant and has lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Not only does this trample over the local community, but it undermines the democratic process as the final decision will now not rest with elected councillors, but by a remote planning inspector.

We find it deeply regretful that the uncertainty for the town will continue for many more months.

Councillor Luke Ives, Liz Johnson, John Howard, Celia Knott, of Norton Action Group