Approval for Banks Group Surface Mines

Banks Mining’s proposed Ferneybeds surface mine, located to the south of Widdrington Station, has been granted planning permission by Northumberland County Council.  The scheme received unanimous approval from the committee and will involve the extraction of about 752,000 tonnes of coal from a 237-acre site over a three-year period.

It was recommended for approval by the county council’s planning officers and was also supported by the local Widdrington Station & Stobswood Parish Council. The Ferneybeds scheme will directly support about 40 jobs, as well as bringing new revenues into the local economy and supporting other jobs in supply chain businesses.

Banks Mining already employs more than 200 staff, most of whom are employed at the Shotton Surface Mine in south east Northumberland and the Brenkley Lane Surface Mine in Newcastle.  The project will enable Banks Mining to continue its 30 years of investment in this area.

For more information, help or advice on Energy issues please contact our Energy Team on 0191 211 7777.