A MINING firm, which hopes to create 1,000 North-East jobs in a £1.5bn potash project, has strongly denied criticism its plans will destroy the environment.

Caravan park bosses say Sirius Minerals' proposals to mine polyhalite fertiliser at Sneaton, near Whitby, North Yorkshire, will cause years of “catastrophic” disruption and misery for holidaymakers.

Last night, Sirius rejected the claims, saying its York Potash Project, lying beneath the North Yorkshire National Park, had already benefited businesses in the area, and will pump £55m into the local economy, generating much-needed jobs.

It says it can drill deposits of more than 2.6 billion tonnes from the mine, which will include a higher quality grade of the product, and already has an agreement with a leading Swiss fertiliser trader to supply 1.75 million tonnes a year.

The national park is expected to make a decision on the plans on July 2.

A report from Tony Barnett, Caravan Club head of estates, to The North York Moors National Park Authority, reveals “grave concerns and opposition” to the mine, urging the National Park Authority to enforce restrictions on construction operations and ensure electricity is supplied through underground cables.

It says Low Moor caravan site, which has operated for 44 years, and stands about a mile away from the proposed mine, puts £3m into the local economy every year, which could be lost if visitors are put off by the development.

The report said: “Visitors delight in its peace, tranquility and dark night skies, but the proposals offer to destroy all that visitors hold dear.

“The effect will be catastrophic for the foreseeable future, which could apparently last for decades.

“The mine will have a serious and lasting detrimental effect on the landscape and have a profound effect on businesses and the economy.”

However, a Sirius spokesman said it was shocked by the level of criticism levelled at the project.

He said: “We are surprised by the tone of the response from the Caravan Club because we had been in discussions with them as there are a number of ways in which working together could be beneficial to both parties.

“We already know many tourism businesses have benefited during our exploration work and our independent assessment shows our construction phase alone will add over £55million to the economy.

“The development of the project will deliver more jobs, better economic prosperity and better community facilities.

“It is very clear that people want to come to places with good services, low unemployment, and a positive and thriving community.”