On Tuesday, councillors in North Yorkshire will make a decision on a controversial plan to build an asphalt plant between Knaresborough and Boroughbridge.

Tynedale Roadstone, which is based in Durham, plans to build the plant just off the A168.

However, the scheme has prompted concern from local residents, a former MP and councillors alike.

In this article, the Stray Ferret explains what the plan is and why it is so controversial.

What is the plan?

Tynedale Roadstone Ltd plans to build the asphalt plant at the Allerton Waste Recovery Park.

The proposal, which was first submitted in 2022, seeks permission to construct the site on an area of 2.1 hectares of land to the north of the incinerator.

The company already operates two plants in County Durham and Newcastle.

According to planning documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the plan for Allerton Park would include a 22.5 metre exhaust stack, a single-storey site office cabin, a welfare storage area with associated car parking spaces and 11 aggregate storage bays.

The highest point of the plant would be the exhaust stack and mixing tower.

The proposed plant would also be fitted with remote camera surveillance and LED downlighting.

According to the proposals, a six metre high acoustic barrier comprising of a 3 metre high bund and a three metre high acoustic fence would be installed to the north of the proposed plant for “screening and noise mitigation purposes”.

Meanwhile, the plant seeks to operate on a “continuous basis” — in other words 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The plans add that the “greatest percentage” of product at the site would be produced and delivered during daytime hours between 6am and 7pm Monday to Friday and 6am until midday Saturday and Sunday.

But, the company would also need flexibility and, as such, has proposed evening and nighttime operating hours between 7pm and 11pm.

Why does the company want to build the plant?

The purpose of the plant is to help meet demand which Tynedale Roadstone says it is facing.

Asphalt plants mix aggregates which can be used for construction projects, such as building roads and car parks.

According to planning documents submitted to the council, the site at Allerton Park would help to “meet an urgent need to serve contracts in the Yorkshire area”.

A planning statement added:

The developer also said the plant would help to create 10 jobs.

What are the residents’ concerns?

Since the asphalt plant was first proposed, residents and politicians alike have raised concerns.

Much of the concern centres around the emission of fumes containing carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and lead in neighbouring area.

Campaigners at the Communities Against Toxins group say that this would lead to local villages being affected by potentially harmful pollutants.

Knaresborough Town Council, Marton-cum-Grafton Parish Council, Great Ousebrn Parish Council, Whixley Parish Council, Kirk Hammeron Parish Council, Little Ouseburn, Kirby Hall, The Parish of the Dunsforths and Thorpe Underwood Parish Council have also objected to the plan.

They have cited concerns about toxins, dust and smell, as well as noise and traffic congestion. 

Meanwhile, some politicians believe that the site is the wrong location for an asphalt plant.

Andrew Jones, former Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said there were “better and more appropriate" locations for the plant, such as brownfield industrial sites across Yorkshire.

His comments were echoed by Cllr Robert Windass, Conservative councillor on North Yorkshire Council for the area, who told the Stray Ferret that he was opposed to the plan.

When will a decision be made?

A strategic planning committee meeting will be held in Northallerton on Tuesday (June 10), where councillors will make a decision.

Council officers at North Yorkshire Council have recommended that the proposal be approved at the meeting.

However, it will be up to 15 councillors on the committee whether to go along with the officers’ recommendations.