CAMPAIGNERS have said a "dark cloud" has been lifted after plans for an asphalt quarry on the edge of Norton were turned down.

An appeal to the planning inspectorate by the owners of Whitewall Quarry by owners W Clifford Watts was dismissed on the grounds its location was unsuitable, along with impact on the environment, surrounding roads and racehorse industry.

Leading campaigner against the application, Councillor Luke Ives, Norton West ward member for Ryedale District Council, said: "For nearly three years a dark cloud has loomed over Malton and Norton, but finally the towns can breathe a sigh of relief.

"It has been clear all along that Whitewall Quarry is a completely unsuitable location to situate an asphalt plan, as demonstrated by the unprecedented number of objections and the unanimous refusals by the town, district and county councils.

"I am pleased that the Inspector shared the community’s concerns in relation to the development’s potential impact on the highways network and the neighbouring horse racing industry.

"It is regretful that the community has had to endure years of uncertainty, but the decision is now final and we can bring closure to this regretful affair. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed towards fighting the application, our efforts have proved worthwhile."

County Councillor Elizabeth Shields said she was "absolutely delighted".

"I have no doubt that all those people who live near the quarry and throughout Norton will also be greatly relieved," she said. "This is really good news."

A hearing into the application for the asphalt plant was held last month after W Clifford Watts lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate following nearly three years of delays on a decision for the site.

Plans for the production plant were originally submitted in September 2013 with the application deferred 10 times before it was refused permission by North Yorkshire County Council’s planning committee in February this year. Concerns have also been voiced by Norton Town Council and Ryedale District Council, which both recommended that the application be refused.

David Watts, a director of W Clifford Watts, said they were disappointed but would accept the decision and move on.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion and unfortunately in this case the inspector came down on the side of the objectors," he said.

"It is a shame as it as going to create quite a lot of jobs and we still believe it was a good application.

"We have yet to see the official response but we won't be taking it any further and will accept the inspector's decision and move on."