VILLAGERS have added their voices to the opposition to plans to opencast near the Derwent Valley.
About 700 residents of Rowlands Gill and Highfield, Gateshead, have signed a petition objecting to a planning application from Hall Construction to work a site at Byermoor Farm, Fellside Road, near Whickham, close to Burnopfield and the Gibside Estate.
Campaign co-ordinator Dr Jonathan Wallace, who is the Gateshead Council representative for the Gibside area, said: "Many residents are concerned about this application. Rowlands Gill and Highfield will be directly affected if the plans are given the go-ahead.
"We have been very pleased with the response from residents of the two villages."
More than 4,500 people have signed petitions against plans, which will be considered by Gateshead Council on Wednesday, September 14, and both Durham County Council and Derwentside District Council have lodged formal objections and hundreds of people have sent written objections, including many from the Burnopfield area.
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