The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing &
Communities has granted permission for a new metallurgical coal
mine in Cumbria today.
A DLUHC spokesperson said:
“The Secretary of State has agreed to grant planning permission
for a new metallurgical coal mine in Cumbria as recommended by
the independent planning inspector.
“This coal will be used for the production of steel and
would otherwise need to be imported. It will not be used for
power generation.
“The mine seeks to be net zero in its operations and is expected
to contribute to local employment and the wider economy.
“The reasons for the Secretary of State’s decision are set out in
full in his published letter, alongside the report of the
independent planning inspector who oversaw the inquiry into the
proposal”.
Background
- The published decision letter can be found
herehttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/called-in-decision-former-marchon-site-pow-beck-valley-and-area-from-the-former-marchon-site-to-st-bees-coast-whitehaven-cumbria-ref-3271069-7
- The application is for a new metallurgical coal mine used in
the production of steel, not for energy
production.
- The Government’s commitment to phase out coal power by 2024
remains in place.
- Construction and operation would be subject to the developer
obtaining outstanding permissions and licenses.
- The Inspector noted the Government’s Industrial
Decarbonisation Strategy of March 2021 does not rule out the
use of coking coal in an integrated steel making process together
with Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage as a net zero
compliant option.
- The Secretary of State agreed with the independent planning
inspector that the proposed development would have an overall
neutral effect on climate change and is thus consistent with
Government policies for meeting the challenge of climate change.
- Nothing in this statement should be taken as a substitute for
the full content of that letter and report.
- Given the quasi-judicial nature of this decision it would not
be appropriate to comment further.
