Proposals to build a controversial new coal mine off the coast of Whitehaven are set to be approved by the secretary of state.
Michael Gove, Housing, Communities and Local Government secretary, is set to approve Britain’s first coal mine in decades in an effort to wean the country off Russian imports, according to The Telegraph.
The final decision now lands in the hands of Mr Gove after planning inspector Stephen Normington completed his report into the proposals earlier this month and handed over his findings to the Government.
The plan, 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.
What are the arguments for and against West Cumbria’s coal mine project?
The Telegraph writes that the Housing Secretary is understood to be supportive of plans for the £160 million coal mine which will help to provide supplies for steel plants, senior Conservative party sources believe.
In evidence to the public inquiry, the Climate Change Committee said that 85 per cent of the coal from the mine will be exported to Europe.
Supporters of the mine say it will create hundreds of jobs and will significantly boost the local economy.
A source told The Telegraph: “I don’t know for certain, but I get the impression he [Mr Gove] is going to approve it.”
The newspaper says Whitehall sources have told it that the Russian invasion of Ukraine has unified the Cabinet in favour of the plans.
Critics argue that the use of coal in steel production will soon begin to fall, with businesses instead using a hydrogen production process.
Hydrogen is a key part of the EU’s plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Mr Gove has until July 7 to make his decision, but Whitehall sources said that it could come much earlier – potentially as soon as the middle of next month.
Despite the reported government support for the mine, it is likely that Mr Gove’s decision will be subject to a legal challenge.
If Mr Gove goes against the recommendations of the planning inspector, the Government’s position could be weakened were the case to go to the High Court.
