An effective ban on new coal mines in Wales getting planning permission is to come into effect. The measure is part of the Welsh Government’s new planning policy, published on Wednesday.
Applications for opencast and deep-mine coal mining will only be allowed under “exceptional circumstances”. Environment Secretary Lesley Griffiths said the policy will ensure “we have well-designed spaces which will benefit future generations”.
It comes after the assembly passed legally-binding carbon emissions targets on Tuesday. Planning Policy Wales governs what councils can allow through planning permission. In the new edition, the government says planning permission for opencast or deep-mine development “should not be permitted”.
“Should, in wholly exceptional circumstances, proposals be put forward they would clearly need to demonstrate why they are needed in the context of climate change emissions reductions targets and for reasons of national energy security,” the policy said.
The government said oil and gas extraction, including fracking, should be avoided. Councils will be required to notify Welsh ministers in Cardiff of any planning applications they intend to approve for new coal and petroleum developments.
For the rest of this article: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-46447290