THE energy company wanting to build a gas processing plant and pipeline in the heart of rural Ryedale is holding a meeting for residents.

A spokesman for Moorland Energy would say only that it would not be “a massive plant”, but refused to be drawn on further details ahead of an exhibition on the scheme in Thornton-le-Dale next month.

The company confirmed that following successful exploratory drilling in the Ebberston area last year, it intended to submit a planning application in the spring for a pipeline, processing plant and access road.

A spokeswoman for London-based Moorland Energy said: “There are going to be some public exhibitions and we can’t give any more details out at this stage.

“It’s not a massive, massive scheme, but until all the details are finished we can’t give out any more details.”

The spokeswoman described the consultation with residents on March 5 and 6 as a “two-way process”.

She said: “There will be the chance to talk to the Moorland Energy project team including chief executive Lawrie Erasmus; learn about the detail of the Ryedale Gas Project; view displays including plans and artist impressions of what the proposed facility could look like; and give your feedback. Complimentary light refreshments will be available.”

Lawrie Erasmus said: “We hope local people will make March 5 and 6 a date for their diaries. Invitations have now been delivered to households across the area affected by the development.”

Ryedale District Council member, Geoff Acomb, who represents Thornton le Dale, said: “I don’t know where it’s going to be located, but I know they have been drilling on the edge of Dalby Forest.

“There’s not a lot of information about.”

• The exhibitions are taking place on Friday March 5 and Saturday March 6 at: Thornton-le-Dale Village Hall, Pickering Road, from noon to 6pm on Friday, March 5, and from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday, March 6; The other event takes place at Allerston Village Hall, Main Street, from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, March 6.