Banks Mining seek consent for Shotton South West
First of three planning applications for additional work at north-east surface mines submitted for approval
THE first of three planning applications to allow work to continue at two north-east surface mines where 200 people are employed has been submitted to Northumberland County Council for approval.
Banks Mining are looking to extend their existing operations at Shotton in south-east Northumberland and Brenkley Lane in Newcastle, which have been operating since 2008 and 2010, respectively, and which currently contribute around £35 million to the regional economy every year.
The Durham-based firm has finalized its plans for the first of two additional areas at the Shotton site, which is known as Shotton South West and is located at the south-west corner of the existing mine.
Up to 250,000 tonnes of coal would be extracted from the Shotton South West area and would be transported by road to the port of Blyth. If approved, the application would provide a further year of work for the 150 employees at the Shotton site, with coaling completed by October 2017 and full restoration carried out by October 2019.
Earlier this year, Banks held two public exhibitions to discuss their plans with local people and have used the feedback received at these events to finalize the design of the Shotton South West proposal.
According to Banks, the Shotton and Brenkley Lane sites already contribute more than £400,000 in business rates every year, and if the additional areas are granted planning permission, it would allow the company to continue its support for local facilities through the Banks Community Fund, which has already seen more than £725,000 given to groups and good causes in Northumberland over the last nine years.
Mark Dowdall (pictured), Banks’ environment and community director, said: ‘The initial discussions we’ve had with local people about these two schemes have been very positive, and we’re pleased to have reached this first landmark in the planning application process.
‘The Shotton and Brenkley Lane surface mines operate in a safe, responsible and efficient way, and enable us to make significant long-term contributions to both the local supply chain and regional economy, which we want to develop even further.
‘We have been a significant employer in south-east Northumberland for many years, and these plans will enable us to achieve our ambition to continue our presence in the county further into the future.’
