Public consultation on Druridge Bay mine begins

A public inquiry launches on May 31 into whether planning permission should be granted for a new open cast mine in Northumberland.

Opposition groups, including Friends of the Earth, have criticised the decision by Northumberland County Council to give planning permission for an opencast coal mine. They say the Druridge Bay coal mine will threaten wildlife and tourism.

The developers, Banks Group, say it will create 100 full time jobs and bring millions of pounds to the local economy.

The hearing is expected to last three weeks.