New Opencast Buffer Zone Rule
February 3, 2009 Next Page »
The Minister responsible for planning in Wales, Jane Davidson has announced new planning advice for coal sites.
The Coal Minerals Technical Advice Note (Coal TAN) gives comprehensive advice for local planning authorities and applicants. It will apply to both surface and underground coal sites.
Making the announcement, Environment, Sustainability & Housing Minister Jane Davidson said:
This new advice delivers a key One Wales commitment by the Assembly Government to introduce compulsory Health Impact Assessments for open cast coal applications, together with buffer zones which will now be set at 500 metres. It places an emphasis on planners and developers working closely with local communities.
It gives us an opportunity to make sure we strike the right balance between different interests and help ensure coal extraction is sustainable.
We have always said coal can play an important role in the supply of energy, particularly as Carbon Capture and Storage technology is developed. However, the quality of life of the people and communities closer to extraction sites must also be taken into consideration. As a government we want to ensure our policies and planning decisions maintain and improve the quality of life of local communities.
Commenting on the introduction of a 500 metre buffer zone, Ms Davidson added:
Including a 500 metre buffer zone policy is a significant step towards our common goals – planning for a coal industry that works with local communities, that respects the environment and, for the immediate future, continues to contribute to a secure, diverse and sustainable supply of energy and of coke for the iron and steel industry. We also recognise that coal working can be the best way to bring damaged land back to use, and sometimes, in exceptional circumstances, this will be closer to communities.
This means putting a high value on the well-being of the people who live and work in the Welsh coalfields, their health and every day amenity while at the same time recognising the value of our coal for energy, for steel, for employment and regeneration.
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