ENVIRONMENTAL health chiefs in Selby have added their weight to mounting opposition over controversial plans to build a waste composting plant near a district village.

They raised a string of objections to the proposal by recycling firm Yorwaste for the site in Thorpe Willoughby and recommended councillors oppose the plans.

A report to Selby District Council's planning committee said the department has concerns over foul smells from the site, and the risks from increased bio-aerosols, vermin and noise.

The waste disposal firm wants to run a trial in shredding and composting household refuse at Gateforth Farm, a former mushroom farm beyond the Selby bypass.

Villagers have mounted a high-profile campaign against the scheme. District councillors will give their views on the plan, which will be decided on by North Yorkshire County Council, at their meeting tomorrow.

Parish council vice-chairman Mall Doyle said campaigners were "relieved" when environmental health officers agreed with their concerns.

He said: "We were relieved when Yorwaste were finally pulled to task. We had asked them several times for an environmental impact survey and each time they declined that.

"We also raised concerns about the smells and the risks from bio-aerosols, none of which were being taken seriously enough.

"I hope that common sense will prevail and that councillors will make a decision based upon what impact it will have upon the residents in Selby district.

"On that basis I think they have no option other than to vote against the proposal."

Coun Wally Norton, chairman of the council's planning committee, has spoken against the proposals and will leave the meeting when the issue is discussed.

He said: "I am opposing it. I personally have received 61 letters of objection which I take very seriously. I have received no letters of support.

"I am backing Thorpe Willoughby. I agree with the people who have contacted me. It is just not acceptable."

Selby MP John Grogan last week backed residents opposing the scheme and called for Yorwaste bosses to withdraw the application.

John Miller, spokesman for Yorwaste, said; "At this stage we are definitely taking on board all the comments from the interested parties and we will base our decision on the analysis of that.

"We still think that what we are proposing to do is environmentally sound and will not have any impact on the amenity of residents."

Updated: 09:36 Tuesday, April 25, 2006