NORTON councillors have claimed a quarry which has submitted plans for an asphalt plant has “seen its life out”.

The town council reiterated its opposition to the application by W Clifford Watts for Whitewall Quarry on the outskirts of the town after receiving details of a traffic movements analysis report.

The planning application for the quarry has been deferred 10 times and is now due to be discussed by North Yorkshire County Council’s planning committee on February 10.

Town councillor Jonathan Gray said he was concerned at the prospect of an increase of HGVs in Norton and said that the proposed route was unsuitable.

“Vehicles will be going down Welham Road and past Lidl, which is getting busier and busier, before turning right at the level crossing which is a dangerous junction,” he said.

“They will then have to cross two zebra crossings and a pelican crossing used by school children. In addition, it will add to the congestion in Norton and make it much more dangerous for cyclists and motorists.”

Councillor David Lloyd-Williams questioned the ability of the county council to carry out an efficient enforcement policy regarding the quarry.

“A lot of new information has emerged about the use of the quarry and a lack of enforcement which reveals a devil-may-care attitude,” he said.

“With great respect to the Watts family, the quarry has seen its life out. With ready-mix concrete now, we are not using stuff out of the quarry,” he said.

“The quarry is very nearly at its ultimate completion, such is commercial life. We should write to the county council and express our further concerns about the traffic movements and emphasis even more strongly our objections to the proposals.”

Councillor Hugh Spencer said a number of photographs had been taken by Norton Action Group (NAG), which is campaigning against the plan, showing lorries which were not properly sheeted, shedding their load and damage to grass verges.

They also said the roundabout at Brambling Fields was now so severely damaged it was unsuitable for HGVs.

“You cannot go up or down Welham Road without encountering at least one Watts lorry,” said Coun Spencer.

“It is a living hell for the residents and I dread to think what it will be like if the asphalt plant is approved.”

However, Councillor Paul Farndale said the council had heard only one side of the story.

“I feel we should speak to the Watts to listen to both sides,” he said.

Members of NAG, who attended the town council meeting, applauded after councillors agreed to write to the county council objecting to the traffic plans.