Many of you have asked us very specific questions with regard to the proposed Hoodsclose Surface Mine. We have created this FAQ area to address each of these questions and we'll update the answers when we have more detailed responses to give you.
Who owns the land at Hoodsclose?
UK Coal own the land identified as the potential Hoodsclose site.
What contribution will the coal extracted at Hoodsclose make to the UK's energy needs?
Answer coming soon!
Why does UK Coal need the coal at Hoodsclose?
Answer soming soon!
Many people think that UK Coal will automatically be granted planning permission for Hoodsclose because the coal is in the ground and they will get it out. Is this view correct?
Nothing is certain with regard to the planning permission. UK Coal need to apply to Northumberland County Council for permission, which we know they intend to do in Spring 2010. It is at this point that we must present our objections clearly and concisely and in no uncertain terms.
Where will the coal be going and what contribution will it make to the operation of a power station?
Answer coming soon!
What risks would a development such as a surface mine pose to my health?
Answer coming soon!
At a time when jobs are scarce, won't this bring 50 new jobs to our area?
We are of the opinion that of the 50 employees needed at Hoodsclose, the majority will be skilled workers brought in from outside of the immediate area, perhaps on a rotation basis from other surface mine sites. Should any jobs be created they are likely to be of the unskilled variety, such as security, cleaning and possibly basic administration.
What effect does a working surface mine have on the value of property?
A study with regard to this very concern was carried out in Staffordshire where it was found that up to 40% could be wiped from house values for the entire duration of coal extraction. Read more here about the potential impact.
How much extra traffic would transporting the coal add to the local road system and what difference could it make to the local road system and future land use?
In their Scoping Report (August 2009) for Hoodsclose, UK Coal suggested that "HGV movements could be in the order of 10 two-way movements per hour". UK Coal envisage these movements to leave the Hoodsclose site via a B6309 underpass a mile east of Whittonstall and then along a private haul road to the A68 at the crossroads of Led Lane and Kiln Pit Hill. Northumberland County Council undertake to carry out a Transport Assessment to determine "the most appropriate form of the access junction to connect a deliverable haul road to the public road network". The haul road is likely to cross over several public rights of way and it is our understanding that this will be investigated thoroughly as part of any planning application.
Why can it take so long for County Councils to make decisions over UK Coal's surface mine applications? What is a Section 106 Agreement?
Answer coming soon!
Under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 a local planning authority, which in our case is Northumberland County Council, is permitted to enter into a legally-binding agreement with a landowner (eg, UK Coal) as part of the granting of planning permission. A Section 106 Agreement addresses matters necessary to make a proposed development more acceptable. Such Agreements are used to support the provision of services and infrastructure such as highways, recreational facilities, education, health and affordable housing. In terms of the Hoodsclose proposal, a Section 106 Agreement is likely to provide a community fund in the region of £250,000 (based on 10p per tonne of coal extracted).