The UK Coal Forum: Planning Sub-Group
Remit
To consider planning issues related to coal mining and, in particular, to open-cast mining in the context of the Energy Review’s stated intention “to secure the long-term future of coal-fired power generation and UK coal production... and optimise the use of economical coal reserves in the UK.”; and to report back to the main Coal Forum on these issues, with a first report on 23 January.
Issues that might be covered
- Seeking to establish the facts on planning applications (e.g. how many are being made? what have been the outcomes? how many prospects have not been pursued because of planning problems? what are the costs of making an application (including costs of appeals)? are there any discernible trends?)
- Seeking clarity about the current planning regulations in England, Scotland and Wales; how they are being interpreted; and how this affects investment in the industry both in terms of security of supply and in a geographical context
- The views of the customer in terms of availability of indigenous supplies – security of supply, cost and environmental sustainability
- Improving understanding between applicants and planners as to the way the system is operating in practice – and whether it appears to be working as the guidance intends
- Exploring whether, and if so, why, some applicants appear to be more successful in making applications than others, and considering the scope for good practice guidance which might be shared among the applicant community
- Exploring how the Development Plan-led planning system is affecting coal projects – are Development Plans consistently achieving the correct balance between competing development pressures? Are they meeting the needs of Government, local communities and industry?
- Identifying, and discussing the merits of, possible changes to the current planning guidance
- Considering whether the developing approach to planning issues for major energy projects (e.g. wind farms, gas storage, estuary barriers) has implications for coal mining; and
- Considering achievable changes to current planning practices and guidance which could help to optimise the use of economical coal reserves in the UK
Sensitivities
- The sub-group should recognise from the outset that ultimate responsibility for the planning system rests with Ministers and that it will therefore not be possible for the Coal Forum as a whole to make agreed recommendations because those involved from the DTI and the planning community would not be free to support any such recommendations
- Other Forum and Sub-Group members will, however, be free to draw on the analytical work of the group to advocate particular recommendations to Government as they see fit
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