COUNCILLORS have given the go ahead for a former pig farm to be turned into a manufacturing plant for concrete products next to Lightwater Valley Theme Park, near Ripon.

But they have imposed a string of conditions on the operation, including a legal agreement forbidding the land from being used for mineral extraction.

Clearance for the scheme came from North Yorkshire County Council planning committee this week.

Earlier, members of an area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council gave their unanimous backing to the proposal after planning officer Neville Watson said it was an example of farm diversification.

The pig farm operations stopped last year and now the site, at Potgate Farm, North Stainley, will see aggregate being mixed with cement to create blocks and decorative products.

It is estimated the plant will generate between ten and 16 heavy vehicle movements a day.

Members of the county council granted permission for the project to Lightwater Farms Limited.

The applicants are planning to pull down all but the four largest buildings on site.

Aggregate from Potgate Quarry will be mixed with imported cement to provide concrete and a report to planners said these operations would take place within existing buildings.

The Environment Agency did not object, but asked for conditions to protect the water environment.