This article summarises known information about Opencast / Surface Mining Applicationsin England over the period 2009 / 10 by indication where Applications have been successful, where they have been rejected, where applications are currently 'live' and lastly where applications are likely to be made.

ENGLISH OPENCAST COAL SITES : REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS, 2009 -2010 

I've been doing some research on this topic in light of the proposed 500 m Buffer Zone and this is my current list of sites that have recently gained planning permission, been rejected or are in the planning pipeline. If you can add to the list any information then please let me know This is for England only and I'm making no claims that it is complete - I discovered a new application whilst doing a quick search for this reply!! (Halton Lea Gate again)

RECENT APPROVALS

Brenkley Lane Northumberland and Newcastle, Banks Group, November 2009

Huntington Lane nr Telford, West Midlands, approved October 2009. Applicant was UK Coal. (After a Public Inquiry for Non Determination)

Butterwell Disposal Point, Northumberland, November 2010, Applicant UK Coal

RECENT REJECTIONS

Halton Lea Gate, Northumberland, Applicant HM Project Development, December 2009

Newton Lane, Leeds, Banks Group, November 2010 (after a Public Inquiry)

KNOWN PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Minorca, Leicestershire, Applicant UK Coal

Bradley, Co Durham, Applicant UK Coal 

Lodge House Extension, Derbyshire, Applicant UK Coal

Hoodsclose, Northumberland, Applicant UK Coal 

Shotton Extraction Extension, Northumberland, Banks 

POSSIBLE FUTURE SITES 'IN THE PIPELINE' EITHER PRE SCOPING INQUIRY OR POST SCOPING INQUIRY ARE

Fernybeds, Northumberland, Applicant Banks Group.

Shortwood Farm, near Cossall, Nottinghamshire. Applicant UK Coal.

Halton Lea Gate (again), Northumberland HM Project Development

Steve Leary,                                          December 2010

If you can add to this information or want any more detail on anyone of these sites  then contact steve46leary@googlemail.com