DELIGHTED villagers opposing a massive waste recycling plant near York have hailed its rejection by councillors as a "victory for common sense."

There were cheers of joy in County Hall yesterday as nine out of ten North Yorkshire County Councillors turned down proposals for a 200ft stone crushing plant near Marston Moor Airfield - for the third time.

More than 50 villagers travelled to Northallerton to air their views in front of the planning committee and applicants R J Howard Engineering.

The plant, which would crush 100 tons of stone a day, generated 81 letters of objection and a petition containing 90 signatures from residents outraged about traffic and dust and noise pollution.

After the meeting, Clive Saunders, chairman of Tockwith Residents' Association, said he was delighted with the decision.

"A lot of hard work has gone into objecting to the plant from the word go," said Mr Saunders.

"The residents and the business park will be fully represented at the appeal."

Clive Billenness, deputy chairman of Tockwith Parish Council, said the decision was "wonderful" news for the business park.

He said: "Firms from the business park have said they will move out if the plant goes ahead.

"We have a brewery, food firm and medical centre in the park, and we are extremely worried about dust contamination.

"We've built up a little haven of high technology near Tockwith, which is very good for our economy and we're very proud of it."

During the meeting, concerns were raised about enforcing economic conditions on the plants, traffic and dust control.

Harrogate Councillor Cliff Trotter was concerned rubble for crushing would arrive at the plant from all over the UK.

He said: "It beggars belief what we've got in front of us today."

Coun Bill Hoult branded the plan a "dog's dinner" application.

He said: "What we have heard today is local knowledge from local people. I strongly urge members to listen to them."

Alison Freeman, associate director of Emery Planning, the consultants representing R J Howard Ltd, said the company would almost certainly appeal against the decision.

She said: "This revised application was put forward to reassure people who are concerned about dust and noise pollution.

"We are disappointed with today's decision."

Updated: 10:41 Wednesday, December 03, 2003