Company submits mining plan appeal

Banks Mining initially put forward proposals for the Newton Lane site to Leeds Council at the end of 2006, but they were rejected by the planning committee in June this year, despite being recommended for approval by the council officers.

The appeal is expected to be heard later this year, with a decision to follow before the end of the year.

Banks hopes to mine approximately 875,000 tonnes of coal over a three-and-a-half-year period from the Newton Lane site.

David Gosling, senior development planner at The Banks Group, said: "We feel the reasons given for this rejection do not stand up to robust examination, and remain absolutely certain that the Newton Lane site can be worked in an environmentally acceptable manner."

A company spokesman added: "Once mining is completed, full restoration of the site would lead to the creation of footpaths and bridleways, wetland adjacent to the RSPB's Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve, and ecological and habitat improvements through an extension to Capon Hill Wood."