RSPB welcomes Government decision to refuse permission for opencast coal mine in Northumberland

This is a short initial reaction to today's news that Secretary of State Sajid Javid has decided that permission should be refused for the proposal for an opencast mine at Druridge Bay in Northumberland. The refusal of permission as a direct consequence that this proposal was not aligned with Government policy on reducing the use of fossil fuels is both significant and welcome - here is a link to the letter announcing the decision.

We're delighted that the Government has put an end to this opencast proposal. Climate change is the greatest long-term threat to wildlife and if this scheme had gone ahead it would have had a measurable and avoidable impact it the UK's climate emissions.  This is a courageous decision that shows the Government is taking its commitments to phase out coal power seriously, a crucial step in delivering the UK's emissions reduction targets and in tackling global climate change. This keeps the UK at the front of international efforts to phase out coal power.

A little background; in July 2016, Northumberland County Council voted unanimously to approve HJ Banks’ proposal for an opencast mine at Druridge Bay, which would see the extraction of three million tonnes of coal. However, Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, intervened, calling a public inquiry to ascertain whether this decision was consistent with the Government’s energy policy. This inquiry was held last summer and the RSPB submitted arguments to the planning inspector against the proposal based on its negative effects on climate change and local wildlife

This is a moment for all those involved in striving to stop this climate-wrecking proposal to reflect on the significance of this decision and share in the congratulations for a successful campaign.