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Kerrier: SOUTH CROFTY STATEMENT

Cornwall Council expressed surprise today at Baseresult’s allegations that the Council is deploying delaying tactics to thwart the reopening of South Crofty Mine.


The Council has given numerous extensions of time to the company to submit a scheme of mining operations and conditions which it is required to do under the Environment Act 1995.

The Council supports responsible mining operations and is required to determine modern conditions under which the mine should operate to protect the environment and the amenity of local residents. This must be based on adequate environmental information which at the present time is incomplete. The Council is expecting this further information within the next few weeks in order that the matter can be dealt with at the September meeting of the Councils Planning (Development Control) Committee.

A sister company to Baseresult Holdings has submitted a planning application for mixed use development on the site which is entirely incompatible with the proposals for mining which the company is asking the Council to consider. The mixed use application is currently at appeal but the public inquiry has had to be deferred because the applicant has failed to meet deadlines for the submission of information.

The Council recognises that the company wants to recommence mining but this must be undertaken in a manner which reflects current expectations of environmental control. Currently the site remains mostly derelict and in a condition which is not compatible with the aspirations of of the Council, Kerrier District Council and CPR Regeneration for the regeneration of the area. The Council is seeking to ensure that future development of the site is compatible with the potential for future mining should this become economic to do so