Advance chief claims nature plan is 'win-win'

THE boss of Northumberland County Council’s development company has described plans to turn a former mining site into a nature reserve as a “win-win”.

- JAMES ROBINSON

The proposals for Potland Burn near Ashington came forward after housing plans backed by a multi-million pound council loan failed to come to fruition.

The challenging nature of the site due to former mine workings meant that any scheme would probably have been unprofitable, while there were also issues in terms of planning. Instead, the site will be used for new woodland, grassland and watercourses.

Developers will be able to invest into the habitat bank by purchasing credits enabling them to meet legal obligations that require building projects to leave a minimum 10% net gain in biodiversity.

Advance CEO Steven Harrison said the site now represented a “long-term investment”.

Mr Harrison said: “I see it as a real opportunity to enhance the natural environment and provide some economic benefits.