COUNCILLORS have backed plans to reclaim a former colliery spoil mound, despite the impact the work will have on residents.

The scheme involves removing thousands of tonnes of coal waste on the edge of Hesleden, in east Durham.

Members of Durham County Council’s planning committee today (Tuesday, January 5) approved the proposal, but acknowledged the work will affect the quality of life of people in the area.

The work is being carried out by Hargreaves Surface Mining and will see the site landscaped when it is completed.

Castle Eden and Monk Hesleden parish councils and Easington MP Graeme Morris objected to the scheme arguing it will lead to noise, dust and to a reduction in road safety.

Councillor Rob Crute, who represents the area on Durham County Council, also spoke out against it.

He said: “We object in the strongest possible terms on the unacceptable impact it would have on residents in the village, and the negative impact it would have on road safety.

“We know only too well the impact this development will have on the local community.”

The former Castle Eden Colliery and is south of the Haswell to Hart Railway Path, which is part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network within the Hesleden Dene Local Wildlife Site.

Pupils at Hesleden Primary School wrote over thirty letters in support of the scheme saying it will make the site safer and could put it back into community use.

Hargreaves Surface Mining plans to remove about 278,000 tonnes of low grade coal, shale and spoil material followed by the restoration, over a two-year period.

The company’s development manager, Lee Weatherall, said: “The site is renowned for trespass and anti-social behaviour resulting in the use of drink and drugs and represents a great concern to residents in the local area.”

It is anticipated the work will generate an average of 44 heavy good vehicle (HGV) movements a working day, an average of two laden HGVs leaving every hour.

The vehicles would enter and leave the site on an existing track onto Gray Avenue, about 380m from the junction with the B1281.

Councillors voted ten to two in favour of the plan, agreeing with planning officer Chris Shields’ recommendation.

Councillor Mike Dixon said: “It is an appalling mess and it is obviously in need of reclamation. We cannot accept the state it is in, but there is no doubt there is going to be an impact on local residents.”