PROTESTORS are celebrating after planning officers recommended that plans to move a town centre auction mart be blocked.

Residents of Thirsk road, in Northallerton, have campaigned to prevent Northallerton Auctions Limited moving from the Applegarth to a site that is only 80 yards from some homes.

The proposal has been recommended for refusal by Hambleton planning officers.

In a report to the district council's development control committee, planning officer Lydia Spiller asked for members to call a halt to the plans. She said the move would have an adverse effect on both the local housing estate and the countryside, and create unacceptable highway problems.

The application also went against the Local Plan.

Campaigner Bob Beaver was delighted by the news, although he accepted that councillors could still decide to approve the scheme.

He said: "On behalf of the protest group, I welcome this news, signalling that the views of residents have been recognised and taken into account."

The proposal caused an outcry among residents, with more than 600 letters of objection sent to the council raising concerns about flooding, traffic and the effects on the environment. Romanby Parish Council, the Environment Agency and the Rambler's Association also objected.

If the move is rejected, the mart owner will still have several options open to it. It can appeal, have talks with the council on alternative sites, or it can remain where it is.

Auction mart chairman Tom Hugill said no alternative site existed that fitted the mart's requirements.

He said: "Campaigners keep saying we should move to a site on Darlington Road, but that simply isn't suitable or big enough."

Staying in its present location could trigger a backlash from town centre residents who have already spoken out against traffic problems.

A decision for the proposal will be made at a committee meeting at 10.30am on Thursday.