Whitehaven coal mine decision expected in July

A decision on plans for Whitehaven’s £160 million coal mine is expected by July.

The BBC is reporting that planning inspector Stephen Normington has completed his report into the proposals and submitted it to the Government.

Now Michael Gove, Housing, Communities and Levelling UP Secretary, has until July 7 to issue a decision.

The plans, for a coking coal mine off the coast of Whitehaven by West Cumbria Mining, has been approved three times by local planners – the last time in October 2020 – but in February 2021, Cumbria County Council suspended its decision and the plans were called in for a Planning Inquiry.

Now his decision will be scrutinised by the Government and the final decision rests with Michael Gove.

Backers of the mine say it would create much-needed jobs in the area, while those against say it would damage the UK’s pledge to cut carbon emissions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also said he was did not think it should go ahead.