Press Release

York Potash proposals for a new mine in the North York Moors National Park

York Potash has today (September 3, 2012) announced its preferred location for a new potash mine to be developed to the south of Sneaton village within the North York Moors National Park. The Authority understands the significance of the proposals and will carefully assess the potential economic benefits as well as the environmental impacts before reaching any decision.

When a planning application is submitted, it will be assessed against national and local planning policies which presume against major developments being located in designated areas such as National Parks unless there are exceptional circumstances (see Editor’s Notes). It will be the Authority’s job to make an objective and rigorous assessment of the proposals and to consult with others bodies to decide whether these exceptional circumstances exist or whether the mine could be located outside the National Park.

Chris France, Director of Planning, said: “The development of a new mine would be a major and complex undertaking and the impact on the National Park environment is much wider than the surface buildings and structures. Before Members make a decision, the Authority will need to look at the development as a whole and consider a wide variety of issues including transport and energy needs, implications for housing and local services, ways of dealing with spoil from the mineshaft as well as proposals for the pipeline to cross the National Park.”

The Authority will now be engaged in pre-application consultations with local communities and key stakeholders. A pre-application presentation by York Potash to the Authority’s Members will take place on September 28 and the Authority will also be attending local meetings to outline the process for dealing with the application, answer queries, and listen to local views on the proposals. There will be further consultation with all stakeholders and local communities once a formal planning application has been submitted.
Editor’s Notes

Paragraph 116 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 sets out the ‘Major Development Test’ and states that planning permission for major developments in designated areas should be refused except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated that they are in the public interest. Consideration of such applications should include an assessment of the need for the development and the cost of and scope for developing elsewhere. There should also be an assessment of any detrimental effects on the environment and the extent to which that could be moderated.

Details about the meeting on September 28 will be sent out in a separate press release.

ENDS
September 3, 2012

North York Moors National Park

1. In 2012 the North York Moors is celebrating 60 years as a National Park. It was created on 28 November 1952 and became Britain’s sixth National Park. For more information on events celebrating the 60th anniversary go to www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/60thanniversary.

2. The North York Moors National Park is the place where nature and history inspire each other. Its contrasting landscape has a long imprint of human activity: prehistoric remains, vibrant villages and breathtaking abbeys. Ancient trees, towering coastal cliffs and rolling heather moorland provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife and its wide open spaces and breathtaking vistas bring a sense of peace and tranquillity.

To view other press releases about the North York Moors and for further information on the National Park, visit www.northyorkmoors.org.uk 

3. The North York Moors is one of 15 National Parks which are home to some of the most spectacular and valued landscapes in Britain. More information on all National Parks can be found at www.nationalparks.gov.uk.

4. Nearly 14% of our staff are apprentices from local families.

Media Contact
Linda Blackburne, Communications Officer, North York Moors National Park Authority
Tel: 01439 772700
Email: l.blackburne@northyorkmoors.org.uk