A REVISED application to remove ash from a former railway siding in Newton Aycliffe has drawn objections from local councillors.
The original plan to extract ash from Simpasture Junction, off Greenfield Way, was rejected because of the impact on the natural environment.
The applicants want to extract 60,000 cubic metres of ash over 18 months and transport it in lorries to a block manufacturing factory in Newton Aycliffe.
The site is an important habitat for butterflies, moths and other wildlife, but the original application did not include a restoration scheme.
The new proposal includes relocating the most valuable habitats, replanting and long-term management and protection of the site.
Durham County Council met last week to consider the proposal and officers recommended approval. But a decision was deferred pending the views of Great Aycliffe Town Council. The authority's environment committee this week decided to reaffirm its objections.
County councillors are also awaiting comments from Sedgefield Borough Council and Middridge Parish Council and will meet next month to decide on the application.
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