Controversial proposals for an opencast mine in Telford would have an “unacceptable and significant adverse impact” on the area, planners fear.

Officers at Telford & Wrekin Council believe the town’s image as a place where people would want to make their home would be dented if UK Coal’s proposals for a site near Little Wenlock were allowed to go ahead.

And they say the benefits of the plans to mine 900,000 tonnes of coal and about 125,000 of fireclay over 32 months at Huntington Lane would not outweigh the negatives that the scheme would bring.

Councillors are being urged to fight the application, which has sparked more than 500 objections, including from borough MPs Mark Pritchard and David Wright.

The plan is going to a public inquiry. Now councillors are being recommended to oppose the application at the inquiry when a plans board meeting is held on Thursday and pass their concerns to The Planning Inspectorate which will hold the inquiry.

A 74-page report to be presented at the meeting says: “The proposed development represents major development which would have an unacceptable and significant adverse impact on the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and adjoining areas of countryside, their use and enjoyment.”

Planners are concerned neighbouring areas would suffer from dust and noise.

UK Coal has proposed a £500,000 community trust fund for projects in the area.

But the report says: “Albeit a benefit, it does not either on its own or taken together with other benefits and need for the mineral, outweigh the clear and substantial harm and objections.”

The applicant says its plans will create up to 92 jobs.