AN 800-name petition has failed to stop controversial plans for a waste management site.

Richmondshire District Council's environment and planning committee gave the go-ahead for the site at a meeting on Tuesday.

The facility will be built on an area of land the council owns next to the Colburn lorry park.

Neighbours said a waste bulking station could affect trade at a nearby caf, ruin working conditions at the recently-completed Colburn Health Centre, spoil the enjoyment of the nearby social club and damage small businesses in the area as well as increase traffic on roads around the site.

But committee chairman Councillor Jim Fryer said: "As these are essentially dry items, such as bottles, cans and plastics, there are minimal risks with smells, nuisance or pollution."

The authority is hopes the facilities will help save money and increase the amount of waste recycled in the Richmondshire district.

Sean Little, the authority's environmental protection officer, said: "We have some very tough recycling targets to meet over the next few years.

"The district is supposed to recycle ten per cent of all household waste by April next year and the new facility will help us to reach these targets."

Colburn town councillor Helen Grant said those who signed the petition felt let down by the authority.

Meanwhile, planners meet at County Hall on Tuesday to discuss a bid for a waste transfer station at the Tancred quarry, between Scorton and Brompton-on-Swale.

North Yorkshire County Council has agreed to approve the project as long as applicant, Yorwaste, drops an appeal against Richmondshire District Council's decision to refuse a similar operation in Brompton-on-Swale and a separate bid for a waste transfer operation.