A LEADING objector to a multi-million pound gas processing plant planned for the outskirts of Thornton-le-Dale told an inquiry yesterday (Tuesday) that oppponents believed its economic benefits were “exaggerated”.

County Coun Janet Sanderson told the inquiry: “The relatively small amount of gas produced would make a tiny contribution to the nation’s energy requirements.”

Moorland Energy Group Ltd is appealing against the refusal of planning permission by North Yorkshire County Council, Ryedale District Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority to build the plant in Hurrell Lane.

Coun Sanderson told Government planning inspector Edward Simpson: “Strategically, Thornton-le-Dale is a pin-prick on the national map and I suggest likewise is the amount of gas the project would nationally supply.”

She added: “The economy of our village is dependent on tourism, farming and retirement.

“The visitors who have supported residents by signing petitions is evidence of the strength of feeling they have for this well-loved traditional English village.”

Adam White, chairman of AGHAST, the group set up in Thornton-le-Dale to oppose the scheme, said the greenfield site earmarked for the plant would “industrialise a tranquil area”.

He believed Moorland Energy had not evaluated all alternative methods of processing the gas.

“This project is not the only way to exploit gas reserves,” said Mr White.

Earlier, Lawrie Erasmus, chief executive of Moorland Energy, said: “The company believes there are potentially signficiant accumulations of gas remaining and currently stranded in the adjacent Ebberston Moor structure which is owned by Viking UK.”

He said the proposed plant in Hurrell Lane would be capable of processing gas from other known gas fields in the National Park.

Mr Erasmus said: “We recognise the environmental constraints within the area and have worked hard to mitigate the effects of the project.”

He said the site had been chosen as the most suitable for gas processing – balancing economic, technical, safety and environmental factors.

“There is no reasonable alternative to the site to locate the processed plant,” he added.

He said the project would provide a number of benefits to the local communities, including new employment, both during its construction and operation.

“It will make important and valuable economic and social contribuitions to the local communities and will attract new residents and families into the area,” said Mr Erasmus, who added that a nature conservation area would be created as part of the scheme.

The inspector is to make a report to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, who will make the final decision which is expected in spring.