sustainable growth

I love Northumberland. This article reminds us of the terrible choices we have to make about the integrity of beautiful places in pursuit of growth. There’s a very good book about prosperity without growth let me know if you’d like the link

Green groups have responded with outrage to the decision yesterday by Northumberland County Council to approve controversial plans for a new opencast coal mine near the Northumberland coast.

The council voted in support of plans from developer Banks Group, which would see 3m tonnes of coal, sandstone and fireclay extracted from a surface mine at Highthorn, near the village of Widdrington.

The square-mile site is close to Druridge Bay and environmental groups have warned that it could have a major impact on local wildlife and habitats.

More than 10,000 people objected to the planning application and Friends of the Earth accused the council of sidelining the concerns of local people and environmentalists.

“This is a terrible decision for the local community and their environment,” said Friends of the Earth campaigner Guy Shrubsole. “Druridge Bay is an incredibly special place. An opencast coal mine would damage its beauty, cause massive disruption and drive away tourists – all for the sake of a dying source of energy that is wrecking our climate.”

He added that the campaign against the project would continue, as final approval could yet rest with the government in Westminster.