A nine-year-old girl has told the Public Inquiry into plans for a coal mine off the coast of Whitehaven would have catastrophic effects for her generation.
It is being held after West Cumbria Mining’s application for the £160 million was called in by the Government for scrutiny.
It had been previously approved by Cumbria County Council three times. The authority is now taking a neutral stance on the application.
Planning inspector Stephen Normington is leading the inquiry, expected to take around four weeks.
Emily Graham told Mr Normington: “I’m begging you not to build this coal mine.
“Climate change will end up wrecking my world. When I hear adults are building a new coal mine it really scares me.
“I want adults to stop making excuses. We need to say no to this coal mine.
“If you stop making bad decisions now you will at least give us a chance.
“In nine years’ time, when I’m old enough to be in charge and to make a difference, it will be too late.”
She was among several objectors – including her mum Heather – who addressed the inquiry, which is now in its second day.
From campaigners to a teacher and a wildlife film maker, their objections ranged from the climate change crisis, flooding, the proximity of Sellafield and the mine’s visual impact on the area.
No evidence of support says councillor
Archibald Giles, a councillor for South Lakeland District Council and its former leader, took issue with Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, who said yesterday that the mine had widespread support.
Mr Giles, who is also undertaking a masters degree in climate change, said: “If he’s implying South Lakeland residents are in favour, there is no evidence of support.”
John Ashton, who was a special representative on climate change for three successive governments, spoke about the impact of climate change and the impact a coal mine would have.
He questioned Cumbria County Council taking a neutral stance on the application.
He added: “Something has gone wrong with our planning process that the council has nothing to say.”
Ali Ross, a councillor from Penrith, spoke with emotion about the devastating floods Cumbria had experienced – and the implications of climate change which could make these events more regular.
Several objectors said the mine was too close to nuclear complex Sellafield. Alexander Greaves, representing West Cumbria Mining, said the Office for Nuclear Regulation had offered no comments about the application during the planning process.
Earthquake concerns from campaigner
Marianne Birkby, of Radiation Free Lakeland, said earthquake concerns should be put front and centre due to the proposed mine’s proximity to Sellafield.
She said coal mining produces more earthquakes than fracking and tremors in the UK had decreased significantly since coal mining stopped.
She said she was concerned that despite a Freedom of Information request, the group had not been granted permission to view licence applications submitted by West Cumbria Mining.
She added: “I want to know if this decision that Cumbria County Councl will not defend is a first or will it set a precedent. Earthquake and subsidence risk should be front and centre. Who will take responsibility for this? The ONR? Cumbria County Council?”
Among the other objectors were Melanie Greggains, who said she was representing young people.
She said: “The general consensus s that people are against the mine but people are scared to speak out.
“Cumbria deserves better and Whitehaven deserves better.”
‘Give us our coal mine’
The inquiry also heard from Copeland mayor Mike Starkie, who said he had been a long-term supporter of the mine.
He said West Cumbria Mining was extremely important for the area, would create high quality jobs and had already supported intiatives including Well Whitehaven and that would only increase.
He added: “It has been proven three times there are no material planning reasons not to approve the mine.
“The future of my community is not the only thing at stake here, but also the creditibilty of the planning system and I have faith in both and I look forward to this proving yet again and finally that the mine is acceptable.
“You will hear from many people what is best for West Cumbria.
“As directly elected mayor for Copeland, I feel I am uniquely and legitimately placed to speak on behalf of the people and the message is clear: Give us our mine and give us our future.”
Allerdale council leader Mike Johnson told the inquiry: “Private investors don’t form an orderly queue to invest in West Cumbria and this investment is something we should embrace.”
He added the number of jobs potentially on offer were a lifeline to West Cumbria, which had entrenched worklessness in many of the communities.
Mr Johnson said West Cumbria Mining had said the mine will be net zero from day one and this would be the first such mine in the world.
Also speaking in support were local councillors Chris Whiteside and Emma Williamson.
Read more about the West Cumbria Mining Public Inquiry
- MP outlines why he withdrew support
- Group overwhelmed by messages in favour of the mine
- Day one of the inquiry
Watch day two of the inquiry below.
