An appeal has been submitted at the 11th hour by the UK's largest opencast coalmine against an order for the digging of coal to stop. Those behind the operation of Ffos-y-Fran in Merthyr Tydfil, mining firm Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd, have had an enforcement noticed issued against them, which would have taken effect on Tuesday and given them 28 days to stop mining following the expiration of planning permission at the site in September 2022.
But BBC Wales reports that the Welsh Government said on Wednesday it was understood the company would appeal the enforcement notice with a spokesman adding no further comment could be issued as it risked jeopardising "any future decision Welsh ministers may have to make on the matter".
The mining firm confirmed an appeal had "been lodged with the Welsh ministers" but chose not to comment further whilst the process was ongoing. Get stories like this straight to your inbox with our newsletters.
READ MORE: Welsh Government's delay in stopping mining at Ffos-y-Fran may be 'unlawful'
Chris Austin, 67, who lives near the mine, has long campaigned against it as part of the United Valleys Action Group of local residents. He told the BBC: "We are extremely disappointed, and frustrated, to hear that the mining company has appealed the enforcement action. If accepted the appeal could take 12 months or more to resolve so we again urge that a 'stop order' be put in place whilst this appeal is determined. To us, and surely any reasonable person, this is just common sense. The mining company doesn't have the planning consent required to continue mining coal at Ffos-y-Fran – that is absolute – so why are they being allowed to continue to do so?"
The company asked for more time to mine at Ffos-y-Fran days before it ran out on September 6, 2022, but it took until April 2023 for the application to be discussed and refused by the planning committee of Merthyr Tydfil council. In the meantime mining continued with 199,307 tonnes of coal being produced between September 7, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
Once an appeal against an enforcement notice is lodged Welsh Government guidance suggests that a decision would be received "within 27 weeks but it can take longer" meaning mining could potentially continue for a further six months. The BBC reports how lawyers acting on behalf of campaign group Coal Action Network have said the situation sets a "terrible precedent" and brings the planning system "into disrepute".
