Skons Park Opencast Appeal Withdrawn

I shot this video on Saturday for constituents to bring them up to date about the latest regarding plans for a giant opencast site in my ward in Gateshead.

The site is next to the Gibside Estate, one of the most important landscapes within the ownership of the National Trust in the North East. I have been fighting against this proposal since the plans were first submitted to Gateshead Council 2 years ago. The petition I wrote and helped to organise was signed by over 16,000 people, the biggest ever submitted to Gateshead Council.

The application was rejected by Gateshead last year and the applicants, Halls of Durham, appealed. A public inquiry was due to be held later this year. But recently, the applicants withdrew the appeal.

But they are expected to submit a new application later this year.

The video explains all.