A MINING company has been accused of adopting “a bullying philosophy” over its plans for an opencast in a country valley.

A planning inquiry heard today from a succession of residents opposed to UK Coal’s plans to extract more than 520,000 tonnes of coal from a site at Bradley, near Consett over three-and-a-half years.

The energy company is appealing against Durham County Council’s refusal of planning permission for the site in 2011.

The council’s decision was upheld at a subsequent planning inquiry, but UK Coal successfully appealed against the inspector’s findings and a second four-week planning inquiry is now being heard at Leadgate Workmen’s Social Club and Institute.

Today Cllr Ivan Jewell, who represents Burnopfield and Dipton on Durham County Council, described the Derwent Valley as “really special” and the application as “inappropriate.”

He argued that the coal reserves were widespread across the country, but mining companies did not seek to develop in areas such as national parks.

He told the inquiry: “They see the Derwent Valley as an easy touch.

“In some respects it’s a bullying philosophy – pick on the weakest, the ones who will give you the least resistance.”

His views were echoed by a string of residents who gave evidence this morning.

Retired teacher Lyn Morton, from Burnopfield, told the inquiry: “If this appeal is granted, our beautiful valley will be turned into an industrial mess”.

She added that, even after restoration, what would be left would be “a pitiful, artificial mockery of its former self”.

Evidence from Medomsley resident Susan Marshall, a former senior tourism officer with the regional development agency, was read to the inquiry highlighting the impact on visitors to the wider area, including the 198,000 people a year who visit Gibside estate, the 15,000 cyclists who complete the coast-to-coast cycle route each year and the 350,000 people who use the Derwent Walk walkway each year, a number which has grown since the release of red kites 10 years ago.

She said: “I can see no advantage accruing to either the community or visitor in this proposal.”

Leslie Rutherford, a former university lecturer in planning law and resident of Medomsley, described the recent history of opencast application in the valley as “a war of attrition”.

He added: “Justice lies in maintaining faith with the people of the Derwent Valley.

“Elected members of Durham County Council have made it plain that the Derwent Valley is special”.

Representatives of UK Coal are due to give evidence to the inquiry next week.