OBJECTORS have protested over plans to build a permanent police post at RAF Fylingdales because they believe military expansion would degrade the National Park.

The North York Moors National Park Authority planning committee has received ten letters and e-mails from people across the country objecting to the proposal, some demanding a public inquiry into the development and an open debate in Parliament on the issue.

The checkpoint was installed following the New York terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

"The need for a security facility close to the A169 and the boundary of Ministry of Defence (MoD) land remains as the risk from intruders has not diminished, with continued incursions to the fence line," said applicant Christopher Duke, of Defence Estates, at Catterick Garrison.

"The post is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and currently contravenes workplace health and safety regulations as there is no water supply or toilet facility."

Campaigner Jackie Fearnley, of Fylingdales Action Network (FAN), who lives in nearby Goathland, said: "I would say that RAF Fylingdales is becoming more intrusive, especially with the very obvious presence of Military of Defence Police Agency in the villages around. They patrol places like Lockton and Goathland and it feels invasive.

"There's always the worry that it'll be like Menwith Hill and expand incrementally."

Mrs Fearnley supported a call for the issue to be debated in Parliament and for an inquiry to be held. She also said it was important that council planners treated the application like any other and that people could still go to make peaceful protests without feeling intimidated.

The proposed stone building would be in the same location as the temporary one, and it would be heather-clad.

English Nature has confirmed that the development is outside its Site of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) and therefore would have little impact on it.

The MOD has stressed it does not want to move the police post further from the A169 as it would not meet security needs and would impact more on the Site of Specific Scientific Interest.

In 2002, the planning committee gave temporary approval to the police post until May and said the site was unsuitable for a permanent building.

Val Dilcock, author of the report to the committee, which will be considered on Thursday, has recommended that members should visit the site before making a decision.

Updated: 11:00 Monday, July 05, 2004