Sponsored by
Leeds rejects open cast mining plans COMMENT ON THIS STORY
JUBILANT protestors were celebrating today after council planning bosses said 'NO' to a huge open cast mining operation close to Fairburn Ings.
Leeds City Council's East planning panel were expected to give the nod to the plans by Banks Developments after the scheme was recommended for approval at today's meeting.
But more than two years of dogged campaigning finally paid off for members of Residents Against Greenbelt Exploitation (RAGE) and Yorkshire Against New Coal (YANC) when the panel blocked the scheme this afternoon.
Banks wanted to mine 875,000 tonnes of coal out of the ground on land off Back Newton Lane over the next few years.
Residents from villages of Ledsham, Ledston and Fairburn spoke out because they feared the scheme would have a devastating impact on their peaceful homes and could effect the cherished nearby nature reserve.
Banks' said the company would use the quietist machinery available and haulage routes would not go through Ledston village.
The firm also said the project would create around 41 local jobs, as well as supporting many others in local supply chain businesses.
Banks could now appeal against the council's decision, which would most likely see the plans go to a public inquiry.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Leeds
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
