A PLAN to recycle road stones by creating a plant capable of crushing 10,000 tonnes a year has been approved despite concerns over noise from the operation hitting nearby residents.

North Yorkshire County Council’s planning committee heard the scheme at the former RAF Bomber Command base at Skipton Old Airfield, Sandhutton, near Thirsk would see road planings crushed and cement and water added to make a sub-base for roads to avoid taking the planings to landfill sites.

The meeting was told following concerns over the volumes of noise generated by the six-cylinder engine crusher, the firm would have to ensure plant, machinery and vehicles used on any part of the site are fitted with effective noise attenuating equipment which must be regularly maintained.

Councillors also heard a 5m- high concrete barrier along the southern and eastern boundaries of the site would be build and the hours of the operation limited to protect amenity.

The meeting was told noise could peak on Saturdays, where it was predicted at three decibels - a barely perceptible change - above the background noise at nearby bungalows.

Members approved the scheme after officers said the development would make use of an unused overgrown piece of ground last used for storage of agricultural equipment and that the development was not out of keeping with surrounding uses.