A controversial redevelopment of a military firing range in Northumberland's National Park has been given the go-ahead years after it was first proposed.

In 1994 the Ministry of Defence announced plans to upgrade its gun ranges in Otterburn, which involved the building of new roads and gun emplacements over remote moorland.

The secretary of stare for transport local government and the regions has now approved the re-development.

It will accommodate the multiple launch rocket system and the AS90 self-propellled artillery system.

Peter Forrester, deputy chairman of the National Park Authority, said: "Our feelings are of realism tinged with disappointment.

'Intensive activity'

"Today's decision allowing the full extent of the development teams means that intensive military activity will be taken into hitherto quiet areas of the National Park.

"We are particularly concerned about the approval for new gun spurs in the Coquet and Grasslees Valleys."

The authority had objected to the development on the basis of its impact on the landscape and ecology of the National Park, together with the increased restrictions on access for visitors.

In a statement, it added that it was satisfied that the proposals had received "full and rigorous examination as required by planning regulations".

The new facilities will be used by soldiers from Northumberland, North Yorkshire, and Salisbury Plain.