Coal mine: Two week deadline to confirm planning application

West Cumbria Mining (WCM) has been given a two-week deadline to notify the government about whether it wishes to continue with its planning application for a controversial new coal mine in Cumbria.

Planning permission for the coal mine was quashed in September last year following successful legal challenges by Friends of the Earth and South Lakes Action on Climate Change (SLACC).

Earlier this year the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government began the process for reassessing the planning application – something it is legally obliged to do – by writing to interested parties, including Friends of the Earth and WCM. The letter asked for their views on the process for re-evaluation including what the issues were where updated evidence was required, and whether a new public inquiry should be held.

Friends of the Earth submitted its response in time for the 27 February deadline (letter available on request) set by the government, but WCM failed to respond.

The government has now written to WCM’s lawyers asking whether the company still intends to pursue the planning application, setting a deadline of 5pm on 26 March 2025 for a response.

Friends of the Earth campaigner, Tony Bosworth, said:

“West Cumbria Mining has been told to come clean about its intentions: does it still want to the build the Whitehaven mine or not? The government wants an answer, and the people of West Cumbria deserve one too.

“The company must accept that the case against this destructive and unnecessary coal mine is overwhelming and withdraw its planning application. The mine’s huge impact on our climate was not properly assessed, mining licences were refused by the Coal Authority and the market for its coal is rapidly evaporating.

“It’s time to pull the plug on this mine once and for all and focus instead on the crucial task of bringing green jobs to West Cumbria.”

Ends

Notes

1. The letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to WCM’s lawyers says:

“The Secretary of State notes that no representations were received from, or on behalf of, your client. She would be grateful if you could confirm whether you or your client will be making representations on this matter. If not, please could you clarify your client’s position, and whether your client is intending to pursue the application.

“If you wish to make any comments on the matters set out in the letter of 6 February 2025 and/or representations received, these should be sent… by 5pm on 26 March 2025.”

2. Coal Authority rejects Cumbria development’s request for mining licences: https://www.independent.co.uk/business/coal-authority-rejects-cumbria-development-s-request-for-mining-licences-b2620250.html

3. Planning permission for Whitehaven mine ruled unlawful: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/climate/planning-permission-whitehaven-mine-ruled-unlawful