Controversial plans to remove millions of tonnes of material from a site on the banks of the Tyne in Northumberland look set to go ahead despite stiff local opposition.
Councillors on the county council's strategic planning committee will consider proposals to extract 5.8 million tonnes of sand and gravel over a 25-year period from a green belt site North East of Anick Grange Haugh near Hexham.
The plans, submitted by Thompsons of Prudhoe, have been opposed strongly by local councils and residents - but council officers have recommended the application is approved.
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Campaigners have protested against the plans ever since they were first mooted almost four years ago.
The applicant has proposed working in a phased manner, moving from west to east in five different steps. Following the extraction of the material, the site would be restored to create a lake and associated wetlands.
Hexham Town Council have previously strongly objected to the proposals, citing concerns over an increase of heavy traffic and an increased risk of pollution to the River Tyne. The council also questioned the need for sand and gravel and suggested the use of more environmentally sustainable building materials such as timber.
Sandhoe Parish Council added that the site would be an "eyesore" and could deter tourists from visiting the area. A total of 71 objections from local residents were received, centring around traffic issues and the loss of the greenbelt as well as ruining views of a "beautiful" section of the Tyne Valley.
However, a report due to be presented to councillors tomorrow points out that a shortfall in reserves of sand and gravel has been identified, meaning further provision is needed. Under the recently adopted local plan, three sites - including Anick Grange - were identified to provide this.
It also states that the proposed activity would have a "limited impact" on the openness of the green belt, with no features above existing ground level. The restoration of the site to a lake would "preserve the openness of the green belt", according to the report.
Councillors are due to provide a decision on the issue tomorrow. Because officers have recommended the plans for approval, members would need to identify relevant planning reasons to refuse the proposals.
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