A pressure group has vowed to continue fighting plans for a new multi-million pound opencast coal mining project in Wakefield.
UK Coal has submitted plans to Wakefield Council for a scheme to excavate more than a million tons of coal from 139 hectares of fields between New Sharslton, Crofton and Warmfield.
The company say the scheme will create up to 90 local jobs and it has held consultations with residents opposing the plans in a bid to allay concerns about noise, pollution and increased traffic.
But campaigners remain opposed to the proposed four-and-a-half-year project, which would see coal mined for 12 hours a day from 7am until 7pm.
UK Coal finished a previous opencast mine project on the site of the former Sharslton Colliery three years ago.
George Balaam, 65, of New Sharlston, is chairman of campaign group Stop Opencasting in Sharlston. Mr Balaam said: “There will be dust and noise and general upheaval and we don’t want it. We will be strongly objecting to this planning application. ”Sharlston Labour Councillor June Cliffe, said: “I’m concerned for people’s health and safety. Dirt, dust and fumes will be blown across Sharlston, New Sharlston, Streethouse and Snydale Villas.”
Hemsworth Labour MP Jon Trickett said: “The residents of Sharlston have faced enough over the years and this recent application for open casting mining is the last straw for many in the village. Many constituents have been in touch with me regarding their opposition to the latest planning application and I am supporting them in their objections”
Simon Taylor, Director of UK Coal Surface Mining, said: “We have amended our plans to fully reinstate Hell Lane as part of the restoration of this site. We believe we have the best possible design and can work this site as a good neighbour alongside the local community. We did a good job at the Sharlston site which finished three years ago, showing we operate efficiently and sensitively.”
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