manchester foe logo

Druridge Bay: government decision to reject mine overturned

news release

A High Court judge has upheld the legal challenge from operators Banks Mining to the government’s decision to refuse permission for the opencast coal mine in Northumberland.

The planning application now goes back to Communities Secretary James Brokenshire for a new decision.

The decision in March this year, by then Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, to refuse permission for the mine on the grounds of its contribution to climate change was praised at the time as the right decision for the right reason.

Simon Bowens, Friends of the Earth campaigner, said:

“The original decision to say no to the Druridge Bay opencast coal mine on climate grounds was the right decision for the right reason. Since then, the case for ending our dependence on fossil fuels has only grown stronger, with the world’s leading climate scientists warning that we need to act fast to avoid climate chaos.

“James Brokenshire must take heed of the science and again reject this destructive proposal. All opencast schemes should now be banned by the government, and space should be made instead for a low-carbon future.”

 

Find us on

Facebook

Support Us

Donate or join us using a standing order or PayPal.

Twitter @foemcr