LAON’S REVIEW OF SCOTTISH OPENCAST SITES ACTIVELY UNDER CONSIDERATION IN SCOTLAND FROM 1/2/13 – 10 /3/13
2013 SERIES: No 2.2
From June 2012 to January 2013 a monthly review was published that grew to cover the whole of the UK, and by January it had reached 35 pages and was becoming unwieldy and imposing a strain on meeting the end of month deadline by which all information on all the sites had to be checked. The decision was taken to split the review into three parts, one covering England to be published on or just after the 1st of the month, the Scottish part to be published on or just after the 10th of the month and the Welsh part to be published on of just after the 20th of each month.
On the date this review was published this was the number of opencast sites under consideration that LAON was aware of :
IN THE PUBLIC APPROVED BUT TOTAL DOMAIN UNWORKED (at least 2 yrs approval)
ENGLAND 13 0 13
SCOTLAND 12 3 15
WALES. 7 0 7
TOTAL 32 3 35
On the date of this review was published, this was the number of derelict or mothballed or unrestored opencast sites LAON knew about in the UK
DERELICT MOTHBALLED UNRESTORED
ENGLAND 2 0 1
SCOTLAND 1 1 0
WALES 0 0 0
For a brief guide to the Scottish Planning system, follow this link to ‘A Guide to the Planning System in Scotland’ @
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/08/11133705/1
The way to read each entry is as follows:
Site Name, Location, Planning Authority, Position in the Planning System (either Scoping Inquiry, Application Submitted, Application Approved), the name of the Applicant / Operator and the size.
NEWS ON SCOTTISH APPLICATIONS
More information about the Rob Edwards list of proposed new opencast sites in Scotland, other than those LAON had identified in the first 2013 review (Benbain, Cauldhall, Galawhistle (Spireslack Extension), Rusha Extension, St. Ninians Extension and Wellsgreen) are contained in an appendix to this list.
BENBAIN REMAINDER, CHALMERSTON SURFACE MINE COMPLEX, DALMELLINGTON (East Ayrshire, Application No 12/0093/PP) (Application) (Scottish Coal) (1,200,000 tonnes) (Total size of the site, 723 hectares of which 55 hectares ‘will be disturbed’ by this application.
Chalmerston Benbain, East Ayrshire / Scottish Coal / 1.2m
This report is a comprehensive summary of the decision making process and the reasons behind why planning permission was granted.
CANONBIE SURFACE MINE?
(Dumfries and Galloway?) (Exploratory Licence), (Buccleuch Group / Kier Minerals) (no estimate of size)
CAULDHALL, ROSEWELL(Midlothian) (Application)(Scottish Coal) (10m tonnes) (495 hectare site) (Working period 12.5 yrs) ( Ref No 13/00105/DPP)
Planning application submitted in February 2013
The Stop Caudhall Opencast campaign’s web site has now gone live. There is a letter you can send to Midlothian Council on this web site @
http://stopopencast.org.uk/?page_id=332
For more information on the application and where to make comments see:
Last news September 2012
GALAWHISTLE (SPIRESLACK EXTENSION),GLENBURN nr MULKIRK (East Ayrshire) (Application) (Scottish Coal) (3.500,000) (Total size of the site 725 hectares, but this application refers to 108 hectares)
HARDGATEHEAD SITE, EAST OF WILSONTOWN SURFACE MINE (South Lanarkshire Council, (Scoping Inquiry) (Halls Construction Services) (400,000 tonnes) (133 hts) (Application No CL/12/X0661/NEW)
Scoping Inquiry letter submitted 6/12/12. See
HYNDSHAW FARM,CARLUKE (Sth. Lanarkshire)(stage not known) (A G Land Purchase) (36,000 tonnes)(size not known)
RUSHA EXTENSION , NEAR BREICH (West Lothian Council) (Planning Application) (Banks Group) (140,000) (154 hectares)
Information used at the Public Exhibitions on this development:
RUSHA EXTENSION(Modification of planning obligation relating to planning application 1199/M/07 (grid ref. 298252 66010), (West Lothian) (Scoping Inquiry) (H J Banks) (Seeking permission to extract an extra 140,000 tonnes, making 1.65m in all) (Ref No 0381/PO/12) (154ha) (Case Officer: Ms Gillian Laing?)
Banks gained approval for the original Rusha opencast site in 2009, to mine 1.5m tonnes of coal over a 7 yr period. They did not commence work on the site until January 2012. In August 2012, Banks began a public consultation exercise into extending the sites extraction area (but not the overall size of the site or the sites duration, to mine an extra 140,000 tonnes of coal. Banks also sought permission to be allowed to import coal onto the site for blending purposes but
“There would be increase to the currently approved limit on loaded lorries leaving the site each day (63)”
It seems that these modifications to the original planning conditions were granted on 10/8/12, but no reference can be found to this on any West Lothian Committee Meeting for that day (non scheduled) of as an agenda item for the meeting of the Community Planning Partnership on the 13/8/12 or the Fauld House and Briech Valley Local Area Committee on the 14/8/12.
For references see below
Anger as controversial mine is given go-ahead - WestLothian Courier
Banks start work at Rusha surface mine | Agg-Net
[PDF]
HJB_BA535_182_Exhibition Newsletter 0712.indd - Banks Group
Case File on the Modification of the Rusha Farm planning decision @
West Lothian MEETING Meetings Calendar for August 2012 @
http://coins.westlothian.gov.uk/coins/calendar.asp
ST. NINIANS EXTENSION, KINGSEAT (3m north of Dunfirmline) (Fife Council / Scottish Government) (Planning Application) (Scottish Coal) (3,400,000 tonnes)(269 hectares)
‘Veneers of sustainability, the public sectors collusion with opencasting’ (Brightgreen, 5/2/13)
Luther Blissett’s article on this blog provides some analysis on why the draining of Loch Fitty has gained approval. He argues that other Scottish public bodies, SEPA and Creative Scotland have been effectively seduced into this terra-forming kind of project, where a loch in the shape of Scotland will replace the existing Loch Fitty and Creative Scotland is contributing £150,000 to the project!
‘Locals vow to fight on, despite green light to drain Loch Fitty’ (The Courier, Fife, 13/2/13) @
A local news report on this story which includes the following:
“Kingseat Community Council, which has been fighting to keep the loch, said its battle may not be over yet. When it next meets the community council will discuss the option of lodging an appeal with the European Commission.
Chairman Forbes Stuart said: “I don’t think we’re surprised by this, but we’re disappointed. Sepa as a body is meant to represent communities, but we felt they never really consulted with us at all.” “
WELLSGREEN(Fife Council / Levenmouth Area Committee) (Application) (Hall Construction Services) (800,000)
http://www.guardianshorts.co.uk/component/mad4joomla/essay-competition
THE ROBB EDWARD BLOG
More work has now been done on the claims made by Robb Edwards that there were 21 new opencast site applications under consideration in Scotland. Some of these sites LAON already knew about and were already included in our list of potential and actual opencast sites. There were. Benbain, Cauldhall, Galawhistle (Spireslack Extension), Rusha Extension, St. Ninians Extension and Wellsgreen (see above). This is a link to the original story
NEW OPENCAST SITE PROPOSALS FOR SCOTLAND FROM ROB EDWARD’S BLOG “Plans for massive expansion of opencast coal 27/1/13 @
http://www.robedwards.com/2013/01/plans-for-massive-expansion-of-opencast-coal.html
Information on the remainder of the sites identifies by Robb is contained below. The list of sites has been reorganised into their Local Authority Areas, as this made looking up information on each site easier. Work is still needed to provide more up to date information, so this represents ‘work in progress’
EAST AYRESHIRE
East Ayreshire Council provides a Surface Coal Mining Visual Register which records, on a map the following:
Sites that are restored or undergoing restoration
Operational Sites
Sites with Permission
Current Application Sites
You can view this map, showing the location of all the sites in East Ayreshire @
http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/Resources/PDF/S/SurfaceCoalMiningVisualRegister.pdf
GREENBURN ‐ CARSGAILOCH HILL EXTENSION,East Ayrshire / Kier Minerals / 4m
‘Kier Construction gains approval for coal extraction at Greenburn Mine’ (Mineral Planning, 29/9/12) @
A news item that approval was given for this extension. Development of the site expected to begin in 2014.and it will be worked for 8 years. Note the following comments about noise in the article:
“ Operations would take place 24 hours a day but there would be no coaling at night.”.......
.......“ In relation to noise, the council noted that there were several applications for surface mines close together and it was not possible to distinguish noise emissions from each site. Therefore, a condition relating to maximum noise levels was applied but the company also agreed to enter into a legal agreement to provide an extensive noise monitoring programme with provision for mitigation and enforcement measures, which would cover more complex noise issues. Noise was clearly a matter of concern for those residents who objected to the application who referred to ongoing noise complaints, night time and background noise and cumulative noise from the proximity of three surface mines in the area.”
COMMENT: It seems that the noise of all these sites working in close proximity drowned out the voices of those making complaints – or perhaps they are meant to sleep on it! AS THIS IS AN APPROVED SITE, IT WILL NOT APPEAR ON THIS LIST UNLESS WORK ON THE SITE HAS NOT STARTED BY 2015.
GREENBURN ‐ WELLHILL FARM EXTENSION,(East Ayrshire Council) (Scoping Inquiry) (Kier Minerals) (750,000) (118ha)
This site will be included in our main Scottish listing from next month
For more information on this proposal see
http://eplanning.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/online/caseFile.do?category=application&caseNo=11/0004/EIASCP
HOUSE OF WATER EXTENSION: LANEHEAD,East Ayrshire / Scottish Coal / 1.1m
‘Lanehead approval is given’ (Coal UK, 30/11/09) @
http://cuk.mccloskeycoal.com/story.asp?storyCode=67844
Approval appears to have been given for this site in 2009.
HOUSE OF WATER EXTENSION, BURNSTON REMAINDER(East Ayreshire Council) (Approval subject to Legal Agreement) (Scottish Coal) (2.6Mt) (67ha)
‘Scottish Coal Company Ltd gains consent for 2.6Mt of coal extraction at the House of Water site, New Cumnock’ (Mineral Planning, 19/8/12) @
Approval, subject to a legal agreement has been given for this extension. The site is expected to be worked almost immediately on a 24 hour basis. There were 3 objections based on noise.
“...... While three complaints relating to night time noise had been received from residents of houses to the north-east of the site, complaints had been monitored over 14 months and it had been found that no actionable breach of noise conditions has taken place. However, the applicant had agreed to a proactive monitoring regime as well as obligations in a legal agreement relating to noise issues. Officers did not consider that the proposed development would exacerbate the impacts on local communities.”
As Approval has effectively been given for this site, it will not appear on the list again unless the agreement falls through or work has not been started on the site by 2015
GREENBURN SOUTH(East Ayreshire Council) (Kier Holdings) (Approval) (1.5Mt) (size of area not known)
‘1.5Mt Coal Extraction’ (Mineral Planning, 1/12/10) @
http://www.dcservices.co.uk/news/1087910/
Indicates that approval was given for this extension in 2010.In light of this site will not be included in the main list
SKARES ROAD EASTERN EXTENSION, East Ayrshire / ATH Resources / 60,000 APPLICATION No Ref 08/0752/FL
So far I’ve been unable to determine the status of this suggested application. This site has a complex history as this link shows:
Skares Road Opencast Site: Property History @
However, according to the ATH Resources web site, this site ceased coaling in 2011, see
http://www.ath.co.uk/html/operations/locations.html
As this is an approved application, it will not be incorporated into the main list.
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY
GLENMUCKLOCH ‐ THE KNOWE EXTENSION,( Dumfries and Galloway) (ATH Resources) (Approval but not developed) (332,100) (9.7ha)
Planning Permission was granted in November 2008, but as of September 2012 work had not started on the site.
‘PHASED EXTRACTION OF COAL BY SURFACE MINING METHODS WITH RESTORATION AND ANCILLARY WORKS AT LAND TO THE NORTH AND WEST OF RIGG FARM, KIRKCONNEL Ref. No.: 12/P/3/0106, paras 1.4 & 1.6 @
http://egenda.dumgal.gov.uk/aksdumgal/images/att2368.pdf
In future, until more information is received, this site will be on the Approved but Unworked List
GLENMUCKLOCH EASTERN EXTENSION,(Dumfries and Galloway) (ATH Resources) (Approved but not developed) (500,000) (23.1ha)
Planning Permission was granted in August 2011, but as of September 2012 work had not started on the site. See
‘PHASED EXTRACTION OF COAL BY SURFACE MINING METHODS WITH RESTORATION AND ANCILLARY WORKS AT LAND TO THE NORTH AND WEST OF RIGG FARM, KIRKCONNEL Ref. No.: 12/P/3/0106, paras 1.4 & 1.6 @
http://egenda.dumgal.gov.uk/aksdumgal/images/att2368.pdf
In future, until more information is received, this site will be on the Approved but Unworked List
RIGG,(Dumfries and Galloway) (Approved but not developed) (Aardvark TMC ) (1.3m) (146ha) See
Planning Permission was granted in November 2008 but as of September 2012 work had not started on the site.
‘PHASED EXTRACTION OF COAL BY SURFACE MINING METHODS WITH RESTORATION AND ANCILLARY WORKS AT LAND TO THE NORTH AND WEST OF RIGG FARM, KIRKCONNEL Ref. No.: 12/P/3/0106, paras 1.5 & 1.6 @
http://egenda.dumgal.gov.uk/aksdumgal/images/att2368.pdf
In future, until more information is received, this site will be on the Approved but Unworked List
RIGG NORTH,(Dumfries and Galloway) (Application) (Aardvark TMC) (945,000) (166.81ha)
Recommendation - Notify Scottish Ministers of intention to approve subject to
completion of a Section 75 planning obligation in respect of restoration
bond/guarantee and phasing, and conditions.
Note condition 3 – No start date.
“3. That this planning permission shall expire eight years from the date on which works commence. No development in respect of this planning permission shall take place unless the developer has given written notification of the date on which works are due to commence to the Council as planning authority and this has been acknowledged” See
‘PHASED EXTRACTION OF COAL BY SURFACE MINING METHODS WITH RESTORATION AND ANCILLARY WORKS AT LAND TO THE NORTH AND WEST OF RIGG FARM, KIRKCONNEL Ref. No.: 12/P/3/0106, paras 1.5 & 1.6 @
http://egenda.dumgal.gov.uk/aksdumgal/images/att2368.pdf
The recommendation to Notify Scottish Ministers was approved. See
Dumfries and Galloway Planning Application Committee Minutes for 26/9/12, Minute No 11 @
http://egenda.dumgal.gov.uk/aksdumgal/users/public/admin/kab12.pl?cmte=PLN&meet=16&arc=71
As this is an approved application it will not be incorporated into the main list unless no agreement on the section 75 requirements can be reached.
FALKIRK
GREENHILL,Falkirk / Chartmount / 191,000
More research is needed on this possible site
FIFE
MUIR DEAN SURFACE MINE ANNFIELD EXTENSIONNon Technical Summary
According to a Planning Statement issued with the planning application for the Muir Dean Surface Mine Northern Extension / Muir Dean Revised (see entry below for this site) approval for this application was given in September 2011 for these two small extensions and extraction on this part of the site should cease in 2014.
As this is an approved application It will not be incorporated into the main list.
MUIR DEAN REVISED (NORTHERN EXTENSION)(Fife ) (ATH Resources) (Application) (750,000) (Total Area 226ha)(Ref 12/02108/EIA )
For more information on this proposal see:
http://planning.fife.gov.uk/online/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=M4KGW2HFT8000
Fife Council Planning » Application Summary12/02108/EIA | Amendment to approved extraction area for the winning and working of coal, relocation of site infrastructure and amended restoration scheme | Proposed Open Cast Coal Site Muir Dean Inverkeithing Road Crossgates Fife @
http://planning.fife.gov.uk/online/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage
This application will be incorporated into the main list
NORTH LANARKSHIRE
HEADLESS CROSS EAST,North Lanarkshire / Scottish Coal / 1.1m
For more information on this application see
Application Summary04/00727/MIN | Extraction of Coal (1.1 million tonnes) by Opencast Methods, Diversion of Public Road (B715, immediately South of A71) and Restoration of Land | Land North And South Of Headlesscross A71 Shotts @
An initial application to surface mine 1.1Mt of coal from this site was submitted in 2004. Apparently it was either refused, or Scottish Coal did not pursue the application. At least two major objections had been lodged, by West Lothian Council over cumulative impacts and lack of clarity on how the working of this site would relate to the working of another proposed site at Badallan. Agents for Shell lodged an objection over no information as to what would happen to a pipeline they owned that dissected the site.
A 2nd round of consultations occurred in 2007/8 over a revised submission, but again these two consultees lodged objections to the plans.
A third round of consultations began in February 2012, which is still ongoing.
This site will be added to the main list
SCOTTISH BORDERS
AUCHENCORTH,(Scottish Borders)( Scottish Coal) (Lapsed Permission) (400,000 tonnes).
Further information has been found about this site below
‘Councillors give green light to Carlops opencast ‘ Southern Reporter, 18/12/07
There is further information on the Borders Council and Coal Action Scotland websites.
According to the Coal Action Scotland website ‘work has not begun yet .If that is the case, then according to the Borders Council website permission for developing this site lapsed on 18/12/12. See
http://coalactionscotland.org.uk/?page_id=1150
More investigation needed on what the current situation is
SOUTH LANARKSHIRE
BROKEN CROSS NORTHEAST EXTENSION, South Lanarkshire / Scottish Coal / 1m
Broken Cross south extension, South Lanarkshire / Scottish Coal / 3.25m
BROKEN CROSS NORTHEAST EXTENSION (i), (South Lanarkshire Council) (Scottish Coal) (1m tonnes) (ref CL/10/X0520/NEW)
The Application was registered on 6/10/10. Interrogating this web page reveals that the Case Officer is Donald Wilkins (01698 455903) and there are documents to view which take ages to download. At present (11/2/13) it is not clear whether this application has been progressed at all. See
According to the Douglas Community Council web site this application is registered. See
http://www.douglascommunitycouncil.info/index.asp?pageid=302939
South Lanark Council web site:
http://www.southlanarkshire.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/EXTERNAL_WEBSITE_DEVELOPMENT/SLC_ONLINE_HOME
BROKEN CROSS NORTHEAST EXTENSION (ii), (South Lanarkshire Council) (Scottish Coal) (1m tonnes) (ref CL/11/X0454/NEW)
These pages refer to another Application, which may incorporate the same area covered by the above application.
This application was granted planning permission on 15/9/11 and the date when the planning permission expires is 3/9/15. The Case Officer is Donald Wilkins 01698 455903 .The best link to access information about this application is to use the link provided by the Douglas Community Council web site @
http://www.douglascommunitycouncil.info/index.asp?pageid=302939
Additional information:
‘1mt extension to Broken Cross Site, Lanarkshire is Approved (Mineral Planning 20/2/12) @
This report is a comprehensive summary of the decision making process and the reasons behind why planning permission was granted.
As this site is approved it will not be incorporated into the list unless there is evidence that by 2015, the site is not being developed.
BROKEN CROSS SOUTH EXTENSION,(South Lanarkshire Council) (Scottish Coal ) (3.25m)
This application was first registered in 2004. However, final approval was not granted until 28/1/13. The Case Officer is Donald Wilkins 01698 455903
The best link to access information about this application is to use the link provided by the Douglas Community Council web site @
http://www.douglascommunitycouncil.info/index.asp?pageid=302939
As this site is approved it will not be incorporated into the list unless there is evidence that by 2015, the site is not being developed.
GLENTAGGART EAST(South Lanarkshire) (Scottish Coal) (4mt) (Ref no CL/11/0198)
‘4Mt Opencast Site Approved at Glentarggert, subject to protection of Heathland Habitat’ (Mineral Planning, 17/1/12) @
http://www.dcservices.co.uk/news/1112129/
Approval, subject to meeting the above requirements was given on 13/12/12. This was despite the site being close to the operational Mainshill site and the original Glentaggart site where coaling ceased in 2011. In addition
the Red Moss SAC lay 390m to the south. The site was also within an Area of Great Landscape Value AGLV) and a Special Landscape Area (SLA).The company proposed to work the site on a 24 hour basis
As this site is approved it will not be incorporated into the list unless there is evidence that by 2015, the site is not being developed.
DERELICT SITES IN SCOTLAND
DARNCONNER - A derelict site. Last discussion by East Ayreshire Council at a Southern Local Planning committee 4/9/09 @
NEWS EXTRA: ATHE RESOURCES / BETTER CAPITAL / HARGREAVES SERVICES
‘Rescue hopes raised after Moulton sells ATH debt’ (Business Scotsman, 2/3/13) @
Hargreaves Services buys ATH Services debt from Moulton’s Better Capital for £5m. Gordon Banham, for Hargreaves Services said:
“We have been actively seeking our own opportunities to invest in surface mining in Scotland and so we welcome the opportunity to participate in this project.
“Our intention is that our assistance will help to safeguard jobs, and establish our credentials as a key participant in the Scottish mining industry.”
Banham said the firm would also use any profits made on the acquisition of ATH’s debt to help towards “outstanding historic restoration obligations”.
Enterprise minister Fergus Ewing said: “The Scottish Government remains very supportive towards the coal mining industry in Scotland. Any opportunity to preserve jobs during difficult economic times is very positive.
“We are also pleased with any initiative that brings additional focus and funding to deal with legacy restoration liabilities.”
COMMENT: At present I’m not clear about what these’ legacy restoration liabilities’ are – it sounds as though it is referring to the 5 sites currently operating ,that are owned by ATH Resources but a review about their viability is now underway, and or to other derelict sites.You can read Hargreaves company statement on the purchase here:
http://hsprod.investis.com/ir/hsp/news_xml.jsp?item=1307102429601733
‘Better Capital bags £5m pre cost profit on swift ATH debt sale’ (Alt Assets, 4/3/13) @
Having paid £15m for this debt 3 months ago, £20m will now be paid back to the Better Capital fund as the Better capital fund gives up on plans to buy the rest of the business.
NEWS EXTRA: ENTRENCHMENT AT SCOTTISH COAL
‘Coal mining industry on the edge as firm axes 60% of staff’ (Scottish Herald 8/3/13) @
This is the most comprehensive of the news items I’ve seen about this developing story. It paints a picture of the state of the major players in the Scottish coal industry as companies mired in debt. Other points to note are
Four more sites are likely to be mothballed, St Ninians in Fife, Dalfad and Dunston Hill in East Ayreshire and Mainshill in Sth Lanarkshire.
The company is blaming cheap coal imports especially from the USA due to the increased use of cheap gas from fracking
That because its investment in new sites had increased to over £17m in 2011, faced with a decline in financial returns its bank is now only willing to advance credit on a month by month basis:
In a presentation, managers told workers: "In the absence of new investment and urgent stakeholder support there is a high probability that SRG will be unable to continue."
COMMENT: What is interesting about this story is what it does not report on:
It’s not just cheap imports which are the problem, its higher production and transportation costs to. Every time the pound devalues, up goes the cost of diesel, which in 2011 ATH Resources reported accounted for 30% of production costs. Then the Scottish miners face another increasing cost, that of transporting coal by rail to England. These costs are also due to rise.
However, with these mines being closed or mothballed and no new ones opening it again alters the balance between supply and demand for coal in the UK. Scottish Resources Group was producing about 3.5m tonnes of coal.
Two other points arise. Firstly the main concern of Governments in all of this, is to provide the UK with Energy Security. It now seems that the domestic coal industry cannot be relied on to do this.
Secondly, especially in Scotland, planning blight caused by mothballing sites and postponing seeking planning applications for potential new sites that are already in the public domain, spreads planning blight ever wider.
‘Red Ink and Black Stuff’ (BBC News, Scotland, 9/3/130 @
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-21708730
This news item provides a review on how the recent announcements from ATH Resources and Scottish Coal impact on employment in Scotland.
NOTE
“The biggest user of coal in Scotland is Scottish Power, which burns four to five million tonnes of the year each year at Longannet power station, and Cockenzie in East Lothian.
Less than half of that is from Scottish output. Yet it imports most of its coal from Russia and Colombia.
It seems hard to believe you can take coal so far round the world at competitive rates. But the imports are helped by having lower sulphur, which means lower emissions.
And I'm told that it's much easier to extract coal from Colombian or Russian mines than Scottish ones, where there can be nearly 30 tonnes of discard for every tonne of coal.”
COMMENT: Further confirmation that the low sulphur content of imported coal is an important issue.
NEWS EXTRA: VARTEG AND THE VARTEG PETITION (Torfaen Council), (Public Inquiry), (Glamorgan Power) (325,000 tonnes)
‘Campaigners vow to carry on fight over Varteg opencast plans’ (Sth Wales Argus: Gwent, 14/2/13) @
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/gwentnews/10229561._/?
The result of a Public Inquiry into an appeal over a refusal for permission to mine on this site has now been published. The Inspector, Clive Neild has recommended to the Welsh Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, John Griffiths, that the appeal be upheld. The Minister has now written a letter which suggest that he “is minded to approve” the application.
Local civic leaders and the local campaign group are to continue their campaign to prevent the application from being approved. One of their main concerns is that the perimeter of the site as planned will be within 120m of Ysgol Bryn Onnen School. As such, it clearly breaches the Welsh Government’s planning guidance that no such development should normally occur within 500m of human inhabitation.
COMMENT: If the appeal is upheld, it will set a new case law precedent for Wales that drives a coach and horses through the existing planning guidance policy. It could be used as a precedent on all future Welsh opencast mine applications. This is why Welsh groups in the Network should use all their contacts to lobby the First Minister for Wales not to uphold the appeal. This is advice from the person leading the local No Campaign. Groups in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland should follow suit. English groups because any weakening of the Welsh policy would undermine the English / Northern Irish case for a 500m Buffer Zone policy to be implemented. For Scotland, if the appeal is upheld, it would give further encouragement to the Scottish Government not to support their own planning policy guidance of having such a zone, something which they have been prone to do of late.
A National Petition “Make the MTAN Law” has been started by the local campaign group. You can sign the petition up to the 16/4/13 by following this link:
Additional Note
The February Review of English Opencast sites can be read here:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/03/507213.html
For more information on LAON contact infoat;laon@yahoo.com
© Steve Leary 14/3/13