§ Mr. TippingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning appeals for opencast coal sites his office has dealt with in each year since 1983–84 and from 1 April to 30 September 1992; how many were approved and refused each year; what extent of land and volume of coal were approved and disapproved each year; how many appeals are outstanding; and what extent of land and volume of coal these involve.
302W
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 1 December 1992]: Information on planning appeals involving opencast coal extraction between 1983–84 and 1986–87 is not available. The outcome of appeals determined between 1987–88 and 30 September is given in the table.
Planning appeal decisions for opencast coal sites Appeals decided Appeals allowed Appeals dismissed 1987–88 15 7 8 1988–89 16 8 8 1989–90 16 8 8 1990–91 18 9 9 1991–92 8 7 1 To 30 September 1992 5 3 2 At 30 November 1992 there are 14 appeals involving opencast coal extraction before the Secretary of State.
Information on the extent of land and the volume of coal approved and disapproved is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.