Final decision on Leicestershire open-cast mine delayed

A final decision on plans for an open-cast mine in Leicestershire has been delayed until later this year.

UK Coal wants to dig 1.5 million tonnes of coal and fireclay from the site near Measham, where the former Minorca Colliery was located.

Leicestershire County Council said it needed more time to investigate the potential impact of the mine on a brook that runs through the site.

The application will now go before the county council in the winter.

'Frustrating' delays

Natural England has asked for more information on how the water and fish in the Gilwiskaw Brook will be affected by the mine, planning officer Peter Bond said.

"Although there is not enough time to do this before the meeting planned this month, it will be completed as soon as possible," he said.

A final decision on the planning application was originally due to take place on 15 October.

A UK Coal spokesman said: "We're a bit frustrated at the delay but the council has a legal duty to carry out a conservation assessment and it's important this is done properly."