An oil company wants to prospect for oil and gas two miles from Hadrian's Wall in rural Northumberland.

The company Roc has applied for planning permission to erect a 36-metre high tower just north of the World Heritage Site at Bingfield, near Corbridge.

The company plans to drill to a depth of 2000 metre in an area just off the A68 for around 12 weeks.

Hexham MP Peter Atkinson said: "Planners will have to be certain the environmental impact is minimised, and that any oil that may be found is moved in a way that does not affect the landscape."

Drilling rig

Roc finance director Neil Butler said it considered the site a potential one for exploration.

He said: "It will involve the use of a drilling rig for some period of time, but that would not be for long.

"If there was any subsequent development, that would be subject to a further planning application."

A permanent oil pumping station would be between five and 10 metres tall, while a gas station would be smaller.

English Heritage, which looks after Hadrian's Wall, has been consulted but could not comment further.