Banks Group's Shotton surface mine proposals approved

Thursday 29 November 2007

The Banks Group’s proposals for a new surface mine at Shotton in Northumberland have been given the go-ahead after the results of a Government enquiry into the scheme were released today (29 November).

Northumberland County Council originally rejected an application by Banks for the 300-hectare scheme in summer 2006.

But after an enquiry into the scheme by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), secretary of state Hazel Blears MP has ruled that the proposals are “environmentally acceptable” and “would meet the highest standards.”

The enquiry found that the scheme “would add to the local and regional economy,” does not conflict with ‘green belt’ development policy and “would enhance the landscape in the long-term.”

It also stated that there is “no objective and rational basis for business investors to lose confidence in Cramlington as a suitable location for the pharmaceutical industry as a result of the Shotton development.”

The DCLG decision means that, as part of the overall scheme, a new public park based around ‘Northumberlandia’, a unique human form sculpted into the landscape by world-renowned artist and designer Charles Jencks, will be created in the area.

Steven Harrison, Mining Director at The Banks Group, says: “We are naturally very pleased the Secretary of State has granted planning permission for the Shotton mining scheme and believe it is the right decision for a number of reasons.

“Coal still plays a crucial part in meeting the UK’s energy requirements, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, whilst the mining industry also continues to have an important economic role to play within the North East.

“This decision will bring some £150 million into the local economy, and will also both safeguard many existing jobs and create new ones at the site, in supply chain industries and in the local area.

“This site contains the best known coal reserves in Northumberland that are suitable for key local industrial employers, and we have demonstrated both that they can be mined in an environmentally acceptable manner and that we are committed to working to the highest standards in doing so.”.

Around 3.4 million tonnes of coal, two million tonnes of shale and 750,000 tonnes of fireclay are now expected to be mined over the eight-year lifetime of the project, and on completion of work, the site will be fully restored to its former ‘green’ status.

This final restoration will include extensive new broadleaved woodland, extending the existing wildlife corridors in Stannington Vale and the River Blyth, 11 hectares of grassland/woodland, new hedgerow planting and footpaths, and 70 hectares of parkland including 16.5 hectares of open public access in the complete landform park.

Steven Harrison continues: “This decision will enable us to continue supplies to Alcan and other local coal users to 2017, and will help to reduce the UK’s future dependence on foreign coal supplies at a time when the continuity of these supplies is becoming increasingly uncertain.

“It will also ultimately lead to the creation of a unique architectural sculpture of national importance, with this new landform making around 16.5 hectares of parkland available for public recreation”.

“Throughout the planning and appeal process we have liaised closely with local business and residential communities, and will continue to do so throughout the operational life of the site.

Last updated: Monday 17 December 2007, 14:55 PM