Since revision of Mineral Planning Guidance note 3 (coal mining and colliery spoil disposal) in March 1999 there have been 11 local public inquiries into decisions by mineral planning authorities to reject applications for opencast coal mining. The information requested by my right hon. Friend is listed in the table.
Description Local authority Decision type Decision by Secretary of State Date of decision Windsor site Kirklees MBC Appeal Dismissed 20 December 1999 Hoodcroft II site Derbyshire CC Appeal Dismissed 20 December 1999 Dawley II Telford and Wrekin BC Appeal Dismissed 19 March 2001 Orchard site Warwickshire CC Appeal Dismissed 19 March 2001 Santingley Wakefield MBC Appeal Dismissed 19 March 2001 Cutacre Bolton, Salford and Wigan Appeal and call-in Allowed 30 July 2001 Reclamation of spoil heaps Doncaster Appeal Allowed 2 October 2001 Old Quarrington Durham CC Appeal Dismissed 22 December 2003 Thieveley Colliery Lancashire CC Appeal Dismissed 1 April 2004 Wheatley Head Durham CC Appeal Dismissed 17 October 2005 Long Moor surface mine Leicestershire Appeal Allowed 25 May 2006