THE firm behind plans to build a potash mine in North Yorkshire says it will now by May at the earliest before any approvals for the billion pound project are likely to be given.

Sirius Minerals submitted its second application for the York Potash project, after withdrawing its first law year, to the North York Moors National Park Authority in September.

The firm hoped to received a decision over its plans for a potash mine at Sneaton, near Whitby, this month, however planning officers at the authority have now issued an update stating they are undertaking a "critical path analysis", requesting further information from Sirius following concerns about the impact on the environment.

With the process carrying a 16 week timescale, any planning decisions on the project are now set to come in May, at the earliest.

The North York Moors National Park Authority is considering the application for the mine, which will unearth potash to be distributed as a plant fertiliser, with the creation of 1,000 direct jobs.

At the same time an applicaitin has been submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for a mineral transport system, which will take the potash to Wilton, near Redcar, for processing.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has not yet given an indication on determination timeframes.