Newcastle City Council’s planning committee this morning reached a unanimous decision to reject plans for a coal mine at Dewley Hill.

More than 100 people tuned in to watch the decision being made and not one single councillor voted in favour of the the plans. 

Defend Dewley Hill put forward a compelling case setting out the reasons for refusing planning permission, highlighting discrepancies inherent throughout the application process and the potential harm to the local community and the environment. 

Thank you to all the groups and individuals that have campaigned so long and hard against these plans.

It is unclear whether Banks and Ibstock will appeal the Council's decision, however, it is encouraging to see Newcastle City Council sending a clear message that environmental matters are of growing concern to the people of Newcastle.