North East

Brenkley Surface Mine proposals

• If we use the existing Delhi site compound and overburden mounds we can minimise any visual impact, andby buildingan underpass beneath Ponteland Road, ensure that site trafficdoes not have to cross the road.

• We can maximise the amount of coal recovered by using the Delhi compound rather than creating a new one at the Brenkley site.

• A previous planning appeal decision rejected working part of the site, indicating that any working should recover all the coal from the site. This can be achieved using the Delhi compound.

In addition there are also the following benefits:

• Opportunity to improve the land for agricultural or other use, and create improved environmental features when the site is restored.

• Contribute to essential local and national supplies of coal.

• Community groups and other organisations in the vicinity of the site would be eligible to apply for financial assistance from the Banks’ Community Fund.

Key Facts:

Site Area: 130 hectares

Minerals to be recovered: 2.6m tonnes of coal and 200,000 tonnes of fireclay

Duration: Up to 10 years, worked in two phases with the first part of the site being restored after approximately 4 years.

Traffic Generation: 100 average movements per day (50 in and 50 out compared with 136 currently for the Delhi site.)

Number of Jobs: Over 40

We are now holding a programme of consultations with statutory bodies, local communities and others before proposals for the site are finalised. This will include at least one public exhibition where the community will be able to see the proposals. This will enable Banks to gather feedback and opinions from local people, which will help shape the planning application.

We are aiming to submit a planning application in late summer 2008; if permission is granted we would hope to start working on site in 2009.

For further information please contact Carl Drury or Bob Swainson on 01740 658 500.