Minorca open-cast mine application unanimously rejected

Proposals for an open-cast coal mine have been unanimously rejected by councillors.

North West Leicestershire District Council is being consulted on UK Coal's plans to extract 1.5m tonnes of coal and fireclay from the former Minorca colliery, between Measham and Swepstone.

Members of the authority's planning committee backed protesters, rejecting the recommendation of their officers.

At a meeting this week, the committee resolved to object to the application on the grounds of noise, air quality, vibration from blasting and potential threat to wildlife in the nearby River Mease Special Area of Conservation.

Richard Blunt, speaking as a county councillor for Ibstock and Appleby, said: "This mine will devastate lives. The idea of it spreading across the fields is incredibly frightening."

Steve Leary, chairman of Minorca Opencast Protest Group, said: "We are overjoyed at the outcome of the vote, especially as it was unanimous.

"It gives us renewed hope as we continue our fight to stop this mine going ahead."

The decision must be confirmed by the cabinet on Tuesday before a formal objection can be passed to Leicestershire County Council, which will decide the planning application.

UK Coal spokesman Stuart Oliver said: "We are disappointed councillors did not support the recommendation of officers.

"We hope the long-term benefits the Minorca scheme can provide will be recognised by the county council."