Report

The Woodsmith Project - S73 Project Amendments : Planning Statement

Conclusions

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As demonstrated in this Planning Statement, the amendments proposed as part of the s73 application will involve only limited changes to the previously Approved Development at Woodsmith Mine as well at the MTS sites at Ladycross Plantation and Lockwood Beck. The proposed changes reflect the operational requirements of Anglo American and are necessary to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Project for the long-term. A positive secondary consequence is that there is potential, in the future, to realise additional operational efficiencies that would make it practicable to mine in excess of the 13 million tonnes per annum currently referred to in the Planning Permission - without requiring additional built development and without giving rise to additional or materially different environmental effects beyond those already assessed. The design amendments to Woodsmith Mine and MTS sites are within the existing development boundaries and results in no greater lateral footprint than currently approved. The development at Woodsmith Mine has been consolidated to the area already impacted by the construction phase, with no additional ground disturbance to that already planned and approved. The policy context for consideration of the application remains largely unchanged since the original decision, and importantly the pre-eminent policy consideration (i.e. the MDT) is identical to that in 2015. The proposed amendments to the scheme do not influence the ‘performance’ of the proposals against the requirements of the MDT, and hence the principles that supported a positive outcome for the original application remain - the amended scheme retains its status as a scheme of national importance, its contribution towards sustainable economic growth is substantial; and it continues to offer long-term positive economic benefits for the region. Similarly, as evidenced in the SES, the environmental effects of the amended proposals are similar or, in many cases, represent an improvement to the Approved Development. Given these conclusions, it is considered that in the context of the MDT, the exceptional circumstances that justified approval of the original application are unchanged. Equally, there are no other changes in policy or circumstances that suggest an alternative outcome for the application is appropriate. We trust that the respective MPAs, NYMNPA and RCBC, will share this assessment and allow the application to be positively determined to support progress of the Woodsmith Project and the delivery of its significant economic, social and environmental potential.

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