A much-loved view of the Tyne Valley will be changed forever after plans to extract millions of tonnes of minerals were given the green light by councillors.
Prudhoe-based firm Thompsons had applied for permission to remove 5.8 million tonnes of sand and gravel from a green belt site near Anick Grange, to the east of Hexham.
The material would be extracted in a phased manner over the course of 25 years, after which it would be restored to create a lake and wetland area with the aim of boosting biodiversity.
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However, nearby residents have strongly opposed the plans since they were first revealed four years ago, with concerns around the visual amenity and an increase in HGVs on the surrounding roads.
At Tuesday's meeting of Northumberland County Council's strategic planning committee, objectors pointed out that a similar application had been refused in the early 1990s due to a loss of grade 2 (very good quality) agricultural land - which makes up just a tiny percentage of Northumberland.
Coun Nick Oliver, who represents Corbridge, suggested the council was going further than necessary to ensure a supply of sand and gravel, arguing: "It seems we are proposing to dig up Northumberland to supply or neighbouring authorities."
Members also heard that there would be up to 140 HGV journeys to and from the site every day. Coun Oliver added: "140 wagons will cause problems. It will cause tailbacks onto the A69. This area is already creaking and will get worse."
Residents of Corbridge, who experienced severe floods in both 2005 and 2015, urged members to refuse the plans and said they feared it could worsen future flooding.
Speaking at the meeting on behalf of residents, Mary Jordan said: "What is wrong with us? We've had two devastating floods downstream of this. How can we trust the modelling?
"We had six feet of flood water in our homes. 85 houses have experienced these issues. We are a devastating case study.
"I beg you not to agree to these proposals. Do your best to keep us safe."
However, the council's head of planning, Rob Murfin, reminded members that the Environment Agency had been consulted on the plans and raised no objections - in fact, the EA believed the scheme could actually have a slight benefit in terms of flood defence.
Mr Murfin also pointed out that the site was identified as an extraction site for sand and gravel in the Northumberland Local Plan, and that the minerals would be needed for the production of concrete that would be used to build homes and economic developments across the county.
Coun Trevor Thorne, the committee's chair, said: "This is a difficult application. Sand and gravel quarrying is always going to be controversial, but it is in our local plan as a site where we're going to support the extraction of sand and gravel.
"I know there are concerns but I think the safeguards are there for the good people of Hexham and Corbridge."
Coun Ian Hutchinson added: "It is a 51-49 decision. I'm afraid with a heavy heart I will have to support this. We've got to support the local plan."
The plans were voted through by 11 votes to two, with one abstention. Speaking after the meeting, Thompsons of Prudhoe's Development and Environmental Director Ryan Molloy said: "This is excellent news.
"We are obviously delighted that councillors have granted permission for the Anick Grange scheme. We spent a number of years and employed leading experts to come up with an application that addressed all the potential issues around the proposed sand and gravel extraction, as well as working with local environmental groups to ensure the final restoration programme will create a useful community asset.
"Sand, gravel, crushed stone and recycled concrete are not the most glamorous of products, but they are the basic building blocks required in any construction project - including those promised as part of the Government's levelling up agenda.
"Anick Grange will ensure a reliable source of these materials for Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, without having to transport them from further afield, with resulting higher costs and environmental impacts."
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