An Assembly Member has expressed his ‘disappointment’ that the Welsh Government has refused appeals to decide the future of the planned Nant Llesg opencast mine near Rhymney.
South East Wales AM and Penyrheol councillor Lindsay Whittle is opposed to the 478 hectare mine that would see six million tonnes of coal extracted over 15 years.
Campaigners against the mine, that would be situated between Fochriw and Rhymney, asked the welsh Government to ‘call in’ the planning decision.
But the request was officially refused in a letter from the Minister for Natural Resources to Caerphilly County Borough Council, dated June 16.
The letter said the issues concerned with the mine were only of “local importance” and therefore a decision should be made by the council’s Planning Committee.
Mr Whittle said: “I am disappointed that this application will not be called in by the minister.
“My view is that it will have very limited benefits if approved – and I accept there will be some jobs created – but nowhere near enough to compensate for the disruption that is likely to be caused over more than 15 years.
“I do have real concerns that industrialists will move out of the area if this scheme goes ahead.”
However, developers Miller Argent claim the mine would bring jobs and prosperity to the area.
The proposal will be considered at a special Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday June 24.
Why do some people think that dressing up in silly cloths will have any serious influence on such matters?