PROTESTERS hoping to block plans to extend a controversial landfill site near York look set to lose their fight.

Members of Residents Against Lunacy Landfill in York (RALLY) have collected a 77-signature petition objecting to an extension of the Harewood Whin waste disposal facility in Rufforth.

The group claim the 28-hectare extension, which includes liquid waste treatment facilities, retention of a composting area and a new internal access road, is not appropriate for a green belt area.

Residents in Rufforth and Knapton also fear the land- raising operation will further impede their views of York Minster and the White Horse at Kilburn.

But planning councillors are expected to approve the plans when they meet on Thursday, subject to a legal agreement with developer Yorwaste and a number of restricting conditions.

Yorwaste, which runs the facility, is being asked to provide wildlife habitats, contribute towards road improvements and create a new public right of way on its boundary as part of its application.

Rufforth resident Peter Warden, of RALLY, said campaigners objected to the proposal on the grounds that it was contrary to a number of council plans. In a letter to the council urging the council to reject the plan outright he said: "Being as gracious as possible RALLY has been unable to find a single policy within the City of York Council Local Plan which this application does not contravene."

The group has submitted a detailed response to the planning application, arguing that it would damage the countryside, create unnecessary buildings and harm the setting and character of York.

Area development control officer Richard Graham says in a council report that the proposed extension represents the best practicable environmental option. He says the council's waste management strategy shows that there is a need for additional landfill capacity in the York area, and that the impact on residents will be limited.

Updated: 12:15 Saturday, December 14, 2002