Planning permission refused for Northumberland opencast coal mine

The Government has refused to allow planning permission for an opencast coal mine in Northumberland.

Northumberland County Council had given the go ahead for plans at a site at Highthorn, Druridge Bay, but the government were forced to step in following concerns from members of the public.

Opposition groups, including Friends of the Earth, had criticised the plans because of they said it would effect wildlife and tourism.

The developers, Banks Group, said it would create 100 full time jobs and bring millions of pounds to the local economy.

After reviewing the application, The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government made the decision to refuse planning permission.

An MHCLG spokesman said:

Friends of the Earth and local community group Save Druridge presented reams of evidence to the Inquiry about how they believed a new mine would lead to carbon pollution.

The group says "today’s decision is a victory for campaigners and scientists who have been calling for fossil fuels to be left in the ground in order to avert dangerous climate change."

The mine was opposed for years by local residents and campaigners, Friends of the Earth delivered 20,000 messages against the mine to Sajid Javid’s Westminster offices from residents and people around the country.

It is the first time that a big infrastructure project has been turned down in part due to considering climate change.

Banks Group, the company who submitted the plans for Druridge Bay, have also responded to Mr Javid's decision.