Ffos-Y-Fran coal mine could be issued with an enforcement order after the local authority refused an application to extend the time for mineral extraction and restoration in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales.
EXTENSION
Operator Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd’s planning permission expired on 6 September 2022 after 15 years.
The company, owned by Gwent Investments Ltd, had sought an initial extension for nine months before amending its plans to 18 to extract the remaining 240,000 tonnes coal.
The coal was mainly destined for Tata steel works site in Port Talbot.
The mine, which is the United Kingdom’s largest opencast coal mine, has faced opposition from residents who live near the site.
FAILURES
On 26 April 2023, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council’s planning committee refused to grant permission because the proposals failed to meet the test of ‘wholly exceptional circumstances’ and were contrary to national and local planning policy.
“It also fails to provide an adequate contribution towards the restoration, aftercare and after-use of the site, to the detriment of the surrounding environment, contrary to the requirements of local development plan policies,” added the council in its decision.
“The council is currently reviewing appropriate enforcement action.
“We remain open to any discussion with the mine operator for a revised restoration strategy of the site, in light of the insufficient funds reported in the planning application.”
LEGAL ACTION
Concerns remain on restoration of the site and environmental campaigners are also considering legal action against the mine.