Wrekin plan could save beauty spot

A management plan laying down tighter development controls on land around The Wrekin is set to be used to help fight controversial proposals for an opencast coal mine near the beauty spot.

Michael Barker, Telford & Wrekin Council head of planning, told members of the authority's ruling cabinet at a meeting yesterday that the detailed plan highlighted the sensitivity of land surrounding the Shropshire landmark.

He said it also showed the landscape value of the area and how difficult it would be to replace.

Mr Barker said the plan was timely, coming as it did when the council was leading opposition at a public inquiry in Telford to plans by UK Coal to mine coal at Huntington Lane, in the shadow of The Wrekin.

Mr Barker said of the plan: "The material within in it will help to support the evidence the council gives in due course."

Members heard development controls covering The Wrekin itself were laid down under the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) management plan, which the councillors approved last night.

However, the council and partners, including the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, have also introduced The Wrekin Forest Plan, which covers land around the beauty spot. The plan takes into account the unique nature of the area and recognises how it is different from the other Shropshire Hills in the AONB.

The aim of the plan will be to ensure the landscape is conserved, land is carefully managed and the area is valued for its variety of geology, wildlife and heritage.

Mr Barker said: "This plan will bring together the wider AONB and the Wrekin Forest sites to provide a plan that will help conserve and manage this important and very popular beauty spot.

"By doing so, we hope that, with our partners, we can conserve and enhance this piece of countryside which adds so much to the appeal of the borough and is a much-loved and well-used place for people to go and enjoy an area with a unique heritage, landscape and wildlife."

By Simon Hardy