Sir, – The planners at the North York Moors National Park Authority do an excellent job in protecting the countryside, but it is inexcusable, as Harry Mead says, that they have spent four years in earnest consideration of what would be the world’s largest potash mine near Whitby, and then chosen to make no recommendation (D&S, May 29). No commercial organisation could survive such lethargy for very long.

The mine will create several hundred jobs, directly and indirectly, in an area of high unemployment.

It has been suggested that it will have an adverse effect on tourism, but the increased prosperity it will bring will actually encourage tourism – tourists do not want to go to an economically depressed area. The mine might even become a tourist attraction in its own right.

The mine head is right on the edge of the National Park and with careful landscaping it will, very quickly, become unnoticeable. The same applies to the access shafts to the tunnel, which appears to be the most environmentally-friendly method of transporting the polyhalite to Teesside.

Polyhalite is an excellent agricultural fertiliser, containing not just potash, but also magnesium, calcium and sulphate, which are important for healthy plant growth.

People from the Whitby area, with whom I have discussed this, are all supportive of the mine.

The Authority should consider the interests of people who live in the area and not just tourists on fleeting visits. A profitable company will be of great benefit to the whole area. The application should be approved and the mine given the go ahead now.

MILES GARNETT, South Otterington, Northallerton.