As the implications of the IPCC’s dramatic report on global warming reverberate around the globe, this week the BBC reported that "Future coal mining applications are set to be rejected as a matter of policy for the first time in Wales". Draft planning policy, due to be finalised by the Welsh Government by the end of the year, says:
Proposals for opencast, deep-mine development or colliery spoil disposal should not be permitted.
Should, in wholly exceptional circumstances, proposals be put forward they would clearly need to demonstrate why they are needed in the context of climate change emissions reductions targets and for reasons of national energy security.
Meanwhile, in England, a government decision to block plans for an opencast coal mine close to a Northumberland beach was being challenged in the High Court this week. Banks Mining wants to overturn the "irrational" decision made by Communities Secretary Sajid Javid in March. Lawyers representing Friends of the Earth and the Save Druridge campaign group were also in court.
