Opencast site to be restored back to nature
AN OPENCAST mine in south east Northumberland is to be transformed into an area of natural beauty featuring a host of environmental measures.
A detailed planning application for the restoration of Stobswood opencast site has been approved and welcomed by Northumberland County Council.
The proposals are to restore, landscape and manage the 631 hectares, which are to the west of Widdrington Station.
Coal extraction at the site started in 1990, and after three extensions, the operations finished in December last year.
Work on the site is already well underway with the detailed restoration now set to start after the proposals were approved by the council's planning and environment committee.
The detailed work includes a mix of new and enhanced native woodlands; the creation of hedgerows; wetlands, ponds, streams and reed beds through the central valley; species rich hay meadows and grasslands adjacent to the wetland areas; public rights of way through the site; 32 agricultural fields and an area of biomass crop planting.
Planning officer Sue Birnie told the committee that discussions with UK Coal about the restoration had been taking place since December 2007 with the final proposals being acceptable.
A report to the committee said: "The proposed scheme would allow for the complete restoration of the Stobswood opencast coal site.
"It would provide a high standard of restoration with significant areas designated to amenity woodland and biodiversity."
The council did receive 21 letters on behalf of 15 residents who raised concerns about the proposal, in particular links to and from bridleways, parking for visitors in the area, the long term management of the wetland areas and fishing ponds, access for disabled visitors and the biomass crop.
Speaking at the meeting, objector Brian Lamb said UK Coal had taken too long to draw up the plans while there had been no dialogue between the council, developers and objectors.
"I'd like the committee to direct the officers to go through these concerns expressed by residents and make sure they are all incorporated in the final plan," he said.
"The scheme is very welcome and will allow public access but there are just some minor items which need to be taken up."
But Peter Wood, of UK Coal, said the proposals were a good compromise of all the discussions which had taken place.
"Consultation is ongoing and that is supported by several local groups and residents," he said.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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