A decision by a cabinet minister to refuse plans for an opencast mine in Northumberland has been welcomed.

Communities secretary Sajid Javid today rejected the plan for the Highthorn opencast mine on the coast at Druridge Bay for a number of reasons including a ‘negative impact on tourism and recreation’ and ‘the impact on agriculture versus the benefits of the coal extraction, including economic benefits, and the biodiversity benefits’.

Campaigners, including Conservative MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed, Anne-Marie Trevelyan have been fighting against the plans for the mine. Anne-Marie said:

"This is really exciting and fantastic news for all of the people involved in the campaign to protect this area of the county which is known worldwide for its natural beauty."

Councillor Cath Homer, Northumberland County Council’s portfolio holder for Culture, Arts, Leisure and Tourism, said the decision was the right one.

“I am delighted the Secretary of State has made this decision,” she said.

“For several years, many people have been fighting against the plans for a number of reasons and I am pleased their arguments have been listened to.

“This part of the Northumberland coastline has always been a major attraction for tourists and will now continue to attract people from all over the country and world.

“Tourism is such a major part of our economy and to lose such a beautiful area to an opencast mine would have been a disaster and affected everyone across the county as a result.

“We must protect and try to improve the natural beauty of our county and this decision will help us build on what Druridge Bay has to offer local people and visitors alike.”