A scheme to create a waste recycling site next to the A1 near Boroughbridge has been criticised for being an industrial process in open countryside.

North Yorkshire County Council's planning officers are recommending that the scheme, between the A1(M) and the A168 Wetherby Road, Boroughbridge, should be rejected by councillors when they meet at Northallerton on Tuesday.

Peacock Brothers Limited is seeking permission to construct two buildings for waste recycling.

The area is used as rough pasture land.

Harrogate Borough Council has objected, saying the industrial process in the open countryside would adversely affect the area.

Recommending refusal, Mike Moore, county director of environmental services, said development would conflict with county and district policies and would harm the character, appearance and general amenity of the surrounding area.

Boroughbridge Town Council said development should be discouraged in open countryside and feared that if the application was successful, it could spark further development along the A1 corridor.

Marton-cum-Grafton Parish Council also objected.

Planning permission for a waste site on the land was refused in 1999.

North Yorkshire County Council said there were 23 letters of support for the scheme, four of objection and two petitions in support. The petitions have been signed by 144 objectors.