§ Mr. HardyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given in regard to the effect of opencast mining on greenfield sites, in regard to agricultural production and other matters, following the conclusion of such projects.
§ Mr. BaldryMy Department has provided advice on how the quality of existing agricultural land should be taken into account in determining opencast mining proposals on greenfield sites in Mineral Planning Guidance Note 3—"Opencast Coal Mining", and Mineral Planning Guidance Note 7—"The Reclamation of Mineral Workings".
MPG3 is being revised, a consultation draft was published in December and the comments are currently being considered. MPG7 also provides advice on mitigating any adverse effects of opencast working and of the standards to be achieved at the end of restoration and aftercare, following conclusion of working. The standards are defined either by the restoration of the pre-existing physical characteristics, or by "fitness for use", which determine agricultural production.