A critic of plans to expand sand and gravel quarrying in an environmentally-sensitive area has welcomed a decision by county councillors to visit the site next week.

The scheme, near Ripon Racecourse, has been opposed by Ripon area planning committee of Harrogate Borough Council and Littlethorpe Parish Council.

Quarrying company Brown and Potter has applied to North Yorkshire County Council to expand its Ripon City Quarry operation over a nine-year period.

Planning members will visit the site on Tuesday before making a final decision at their meeting on June 11.

Councillor Paul Richardson, who represents the area and has spoken out against the development, said: "It is extremely important that councillors making a decision on this issue visit the site.

"The area in which they want to expand is such a jewel in the crown for Ripon, in the River Ure corridor, and should be protected. We have had extensions before and they have not been opposed, but this one is a leap too far."

Brown and Potter's agent for the scheme has sent in more than 70 letters of support and the company says the project will protect 25 jobs.