A KEY part of the York Potash project, which aims to create a billion-pound mine in the North York Moors, has been recommended for planning approval.

The application is for a mineral transport system, which will carry the potash from the proposed mine location at Sneaton near Whitby, to a materials handling facility in Teesside.

The transport system will take the form of an underground conveyor belt to carry the mineral which will be sold as plant fertiliser around the world.

The final decision by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council will be made by councillors on its regulatory committee at its next meeting on April 23. The application under review is a ‘straddling application’ that was submitted for the mine and transport system, with the other straddling application for the mine and MTS is to be determined by the North York Moors National Park Authority at a later date.

In a report to go before councillors, it is recommended that the application be referred to the communities and local government secretary advising of the council’s intention to grant planning permission. The mine project proposals have been put forward by Sirius Minerals, which has estimated a build cost of around £1 billion with the promise of up to 1,000 new jobs.