Union Unite has hit out at a decision to block an open cast coal mining development in Northumberland.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid denied permission for the Highthorn mine near Druridge Bay, citing concerns surrounding climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, despite both the council and the Planning Inspector recommending the project for approval.

Developer Banks Mining said the scheme would create at least 100 jobs as well as investing £87m into the Northumberland economy.

Unite added the decision to cite 'climate change' fails to take into account that UK coal producers pay £23 a tonne in carbon tax and that Banks Group is committed to totally reinstate the landscape when mining work is completed.

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Unite national officer Jerry Swain said: "UK industries will still require millions of tonnes of coal every year and it can’t be environmentally friendly to import it from the other side of the world.

"It is imperative that this short-sighted decision is overturned and that the Highthorn development is allowed to go ahead, this is in the best interests of the company, the region, the economy and the local workforce."

Gavin Styles, Managing Director at Banks Mining, said the decision is "absolutely perverse" as it goes against the recommendation for approval given by the council and planning inspectorate.

"It has been made for purely political reasons and is totally contrary to the principles of local decision-making that previously appeared so important to Mr Javid," he said.

However, campaign group Save Druridge welcomed the decision, stating the Secretary of State "has understood the immense impact coal has had on climate change and also on communities which have had to live with opencast mines on their doorsteps".

(LM)