4R Recycling Ltd (4R Group) has applied for retrospective planning permission to continue work on its biosolid plant at the former RAF Acaster Malbis base for a further ten years.
It comes after the company began treating and recycling waste at the site on September 19, 2024, having secured a 12-month temporary Environmental Permit.
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Biosolids, made from treated human sewage, can be used to fertilise soil – providing it with essential nitrates and phosphates.
Across the UK, three to four million tonnes of biosolids are applied to fields annually.
The organic matter, which comes from the treatment of wastewater, is delivered to the site in sealed or covered sheeted lorries, 4R Group said.
It is then inspected and temporarily stored before being added to burnt lime – a process which the company said is completed in 24 hours “wherever possible”.
A representative for the 4R Group said: “The introduction of hydrated lime increases the temperature and pH level killing off harmful pathogens.
“The biosolids and lime are then thoroughly mixed together ensuring sterilisation.”
The treated waste is then transferred to a stockpiling area, the company said, before being transported to farms by tractor and trailer or on covered or sheeted lorries.
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4R Group said it currently operates at half of its permitted capacity, receiving approximately 105 tonnes per day, Monday to Saturday.
A representative said: “While it is unlikely that this full capacity will be reached in the near term, the 4R Group seeks to retain the flexibility to increase throughout should future operational needs or market conditions require it.
“This typically equates to four vehicle movements of incoming and outgoing material (excluding those by tractor trailer to the host farm).”
Should the application be approved, the site would operate from 6am and 8pm, Monday to Friday, with waste delivery restricted to 7am and 7pm (Monday to Friday) and 8am and 1pm on “occasional” Saturdays.
But the prospect of the site remaining for a further ten years has not been met with enthusiasm by some residents, with over 100 comments submitted to North Yorkshire Council’s Planning Portal.
‘The smell was putrid’
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said of the site’s smell: “I am used to the smell of manure however this was something else.
“The smell was putrid, and I was unable to open my windows or hang my washing over the summer period.”
An odour assessment has been conducted by Cass Allen on behalf 4R Group, with conclusions published on the planning portal on November 11, 2025.
A summary read: “An odour risk assessment was then undertaken to consider the likelihood of significant impacts at the closest sensitive receptor locations.
“The results indicate that there is a Negligible Risk of odour amenity impacts, resulting in a Negligible effect.
“It is our view that the site is suitable for the development in terms of odour and dust, and that it will not lead to significant adverse amenity impacts at sensitive receptors in the vicinity.”
The Press had contacted 4R Group for comment.