Nuisance fear over mine bid

Noise from blasting, impact on views and dust nuisance are among the reasons why Telford & Wrekin Council does not want the mine near the beauty spot.

They also want Telford to shed its image as an area "scarred by mining".

The issues, which are detailed in a report to councillors, will be raised at a public inquiry being held next month.

UK Coal bosses want to extract 900,000 tonnes of coal from land at Huntington Lane, claiming it would make safe an area riddled with old mine workings, create 90 jobs and help meet national demand for coal.

They launched an appeal, claiming the council failed to issue a decision on the application within the prescribed period.

The inquiry will be held at Grays Hotel in Telford on April 28 and the fate of the plans lies in the hands of a Government inspector.

Breach

Experts will give evidence on behalf of the council to show that UK Coal's claims are inaccurate and later noise readings taken on behalf of the council show that the noise would breach noise guidance and policy.

Dust issues, the disturbance caused to users of the rights of way and narrow lanes, the impact on the views from the summit of the Wrekin and the loss of landscape including 180 trees, will also be raised.

The report also claims that the proposed site is in an area which is meant to be a "tranquil buffer" between the west side of Telford's urban area and the rest of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Council chiefs will further argue that Telford is a "growth point" for the West Midlands and the town is hoping to leave behind "its image as a town scarred by mining operations and is continuing to nurture its image as a place in which people want to live".

Other issues which will be raised at the inquiry will include the coal demand of the power stations at Ironbridge and Rugeley which they claim are already being met.

Councillors on the plans board are being asked to endorse the council's position when they meet on Monday.

By Kirsty Smallman