RESTRICTIVE planning policies in neighbouring Northumberland could force mining companies to look for new opencast sites in the Wear Valley, councillors have been warned.

The district council has objected to Northumberland's new minerals and waste strategy, claiming it is too prohibitive and is not compatible with County Durham policies and national guidelines.

Bob Hope, Wear Valley's strategic director for environment and regeneration, said blocking opencast in South Tynedale and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty could put pressure on mining and quarry companies to exploit resources in the district.

He told the regeneration committee: "The concern is that, if there are bigger hurdles to jump in Northumberland, then it may well deflect demand to County Durham, and Wear Valley in particular.

"We are worried that large scale mineral extraction could have a detrimental effect on the district."

Committee chairman Geoff Mowbray said: "If mineral excavation were to happen in Wear Valley, the first place it would happen would be White Lea, which would be like having a big scar."