AN evening session of an inquiry into a proposed opencast coal mine is to be held, to allow more residents to attend.

The public inquiry into plans to mine 735,000 tonnes of coal from a 144 acre site between Coxhoe, Bowburn and Old Quarrington went into its second day yesterday, at Bowburn Community Centre.

Residents have attended the hearing, which is expected to last several days. But yesterday, planning inspector Simon Gibbs agreed to a request from residents' representative, solicitor Richard Cowen, to hold a session of the inquiry in the evening.

The move is to allow those who work during the day, the chance to listen to the proceedings. It is expected to take place on Wednesday, May 28.

The inquiry is taking place because a consortium of construction, mining and energy groups, called Eco Energy, is fighting Durham County Council's refusal of planning permission for its proposed development.

The consortium claims that 10,000 tonnes of coal will have be extracted from the area anyway if Durham County Council goes ahead with plans to build a link road between Bowburn and Wheatley Hill.

The group also wants to build a 120-bedroom hotel, pub and office accommodation that will be isolated by the proposed road corridor.

Residents have formed two campaign groups to fight the plans, resurrecting Bowburn Open Cast Action Group and Old Quarrington Association. They are represented at the hearing by Richard Cowen, a resident of Old Quarrington and solicitor, who is representing the residents in a private capacity.

Mr Cowen has outlined concerns, such as the impact of diverting the Old Quarrington access road onto Quarrington Quarry and potential pollution of underground water supplies and noise pollution.

Durham County Council has also outlined its fears about the development's impact on the breeding ground of the greater crested newt, a species of international importance.

Eco Energy claims they will improve the wildlife habitation and that the newt population can be sustained in other ponds.

The impact the development would have on traffic was also discussed yesterday and a site visit took place.

The inquiry continues.