Question reference: S1W-00539
- Asked by: Gil Paterson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 13 July 1999
-
Current status: Answered by Sarah Boyack on 6 September 1999
Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will impose a moratorium on all planning applications which it has called in for open cast mining until the Newcastle University study "Do particulates from open cast mining impair health?" is completed.
Answer
No. Further consideration will be given to existing planning advice when the outcome of the research is known. NPPG 16 was published in March 1999. It introduced a robust new framework for the control of opencast coal mining and is intended to ensure that full weight is given to the effects of mining on local communities and the environment. The guidance confirmed that the research was under way and that further consideration would be given to existing planning advice when the outcome of the research is known. In the meantime, the industry and planning authorities were asked to adopt a cautious approach and ensure that proposals and developments do not result in an unacceptable level of airborne dust. The Scottish executive will do likewise in considering cases that come before it.