Ellie Ames 16 September 2024

High Court blocks Cumbria coal mine plan

High Court blocks Cumbria coal mine plan image
Image: Chaz Bharj / Shutterstock.com

The High Court has quashed the planning permission granted for the UK’s first new deep coal mine in 30 years.

The judge ruled that approval for Whitehaven coal mine in Cumbria, granted by former communities secretary Michael Gove in 2022, was unlawful.

Mr Justice Holgate found that the emissions from burning the extracted coal were not properly considered during the planning process.

It is the first decision on a fossil fuel development after the Supreme Court said in a landmark ruling that planning applications must consider the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, not just extracting them.

If developer West Cumbria Mining (WCM) does not withdraw its application, communities secretary Angela Rayner will have to reconsider the proposal, taking into account the full climate impact.

Shortly before legal challenges were heard, the Government announced it was not defending Mr Gove’s decision to grant planning permission.

Friends of the Earth senior lawyer Niall Toru said: ‘This mine should never have been given permission in the first place.

‘The case against it is overwhelming: it would have huge climate impacts, its coal isn’t needed and it harms the UK’s international reputation on climate.

‘Any reconsideration of the planning application can surely only reach one conclusion – and reject this harmful mine once and for all.’

WCM said it had no comment on the High Court judgement but would consider its implications.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Streetcare LGV Driver / Operative - WMF2112e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Westmorland and Furness Council are seeking to employ an enthusiastic and motivated person into a Street Cleansing role Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Specialist Communication Support Worker (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Apprentice Social Value

Durham County Council
£14,566
Earn. Learn. Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, dev Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pay Reward and Employment Services Support Officers

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) Pay Award Pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen for ten Pay, Reward & Employment Services Support Officers to join our CIPP accredited team.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner