A CONTROVERSIAL plan to relocate a town centre auction mart looks likely to be stopped in its tracks to the relief of hundreds of protesters.

Residents in Thirsk road, Northallerton, campaigned to stop Northallerton Auctions Limited moving from the Applegarth to a new site just 80 yards from some of their homes.

The plan has been recommended for refusal by Hambleton District Council planning officers. In a report to the development control committee, planning officer Lydia Spiller said the move would have an adverse effect on both the local housing estate and the countryside and create highway problems.

The application also failed to meet criteria in the Local Plan relating to relocation of the auction mart.

Campaigner Bob Beaver said: "We welcome this news, signalling that the views of residents have been recognised and taken into account."

More than 600 letters of objection raised concerns about flooding, traffic and the affects on the environment. Romanby Parish Council, the Environment Agency and the Rambler's Association also objected.

A decision about the mart's future will be made at a committee meeting at 10.30am on Thursday.