A DECISION over whether to allow a £1.5billion potash mine near Whitby is expected to be made today.

Members of the North York Moors National Park Authority's planning committee are attending at special meeting to discuss the proposals by Sirius Minerals.

The York Potash project aims to develop one of the world’s largest polyhalite mines.

Sirius claims that as well as the creation of more than 1,000 jobs, the scheme could ultimately reduce the UK’s trade deficit by as much as four per cent.

The development of the proposed potash mine known as the York Potash Project, is backed by Ryedale District and Scarborough Borough Council which say the plans represent the biggest inward investment for many decades in the area and would create an unprecedented economic opportunity for the districts of Scarborough and Ryedale Barry Dodd, chairman of the Local Enterprise Partnership for York and North Yorkshire, told the planning meeting at Sneaton Castle, near Whitby: "There is a good economic case for the mine to go ahead."

Several other people supported the plan by York Potash on video, including Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake who said it would generate £240m in tax receipts.

However, there were reservations from conservation groups including the North Yorkshire Moors Association and the CPRE"

The National Park's director of planning, Chris France, said the application had "very complex and challenging issues", highlighting noise, the impact on the landscape and the impact on the park's dark skies at night.

But he added of the 882 representations which had been made to the park about the plan, 93% were in support.