Minutes:
Grid Ref: 283050.34 211312.71
Valid Date: 11/11/2029
Community Council: Tawe-Uchaf Community Council
Applicant: Celtic Energy Ltd, 9 Beddau Way, Castlegate Business Park, Caerphilly, CF83 2AX
Location: Nant Helen Surface Mine, Coelbren, Neath
Proposal: Variation of condition 45 of planning approval 18/1070/REM to allow for a revised restoration scheme.
Application Type: Variation of condition
County Councillor S Williams spoke as the local representative.
Mr W Watson spoke on behalf of the applicant.
The Committee noted the Update report. The Planning Officer advised that the Land Drainage Officer had advised that there were no objections to the proposal. However, if the Committee was minded to approve the application a condition should be added to require submission of a land drainage scheme and that the wording of this condition be delegated to the Lead Professional in consultation with the Chair. The Committee was advised that if it approved the application the Welsh Government would be notified and had 28 days in which to “call-in” the application.
In response to questions the Planning Officer advised that if the applicant walked away from the site the £19.8m bond would be sufficient to cover the restoration costs. In respect of the proposed attenuation pond he advised that the installation of a cutting for the removal of any excess water requires less maintenance than a culvert, which can become blocked. The ongoing maintenance would still be the responsibility of the landowner and if the cutting was not maintained enforcement action could be taken. If the landowner went into liquidation the land would revert to the Crown Estate.
The Committee noted that the nearest dwellings were 1km north of the site. The Planning Officer advised that in his opinion the proposed work increased stability of the mound. In response to questions he advised that coaling was due to cease by 31 December 2021 but it was considered that it would cease before this and so there was sufficient time to complete the restoration. The railway line was approx. half a kilometre south of the site and was only used for freight.
It was moved and duly seconded to approve the application as recommended by the officer subject to a revised S106 agreement to secure restoration and aftercare in full and that a condition be added regarding a land drainage scheme and that the wording of this condition be delegated to the Lead Professional Development Management in consultation with the Chair.
RESOLVED: |
Reason for decision: |
that the application be granted consent, subject to a revised Section 106 agreement and subject to the conditions set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes and a condition regarding a land drainage scheme be added and that the wording of this condition be delegated to the Lead Professional Development Management in consultation with the Chair.
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As officer’s recommendation as set out in the report which is filed with the signed minutes.
To secure further land drainage details for subsequent approval. |
County Councillor H Williams asked that his vote against the application be recorded.
Councillor K Lewis having declared a prejudicial interest in the next application left the meeting room.
As the Vice Chair was not in attendance, the Committee appointed Councillor D Price to Chair the meeting for the next application.
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