Opencast buffer zone is debated

The Ffos-y-Fran site is near homes in Merthyr Tydfil

Plans for a 500m (1,640ft) buffer zone between houses and new opencast mining developments will be debated by AMs.

The Welsh Assembly Government is proposing tougher rules following the row over Ffos-y-Fran opencast mine.

Residents have protested about the mine, near Merthyr Tydfil, claiming there will not be enough protection rom noise, dust and pollution.

Ffos-y-Fran will become one of Europe's biggest opencast sites and will mine 10m tonnes of coal over 17 years.

Campaigners against Ffos-y-Fran, who have called for the 500m (1,640ft) buffer zone, welcomed the debate, which will take place at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday.

But there is still anger that the opencast site had been allowed to go ahead with a buffer of just 40m (130ft) to the nearest homes.

Work was stopped after protesters took over two machines last year

Environment Minister Jane Davidson has said coal will play a valuable role in filling the world's energy gap, but the quality of life of people living near opencast sites must be taken into account.

The new guidance also means there will have to be compulsory health impact assessments before opencast proposals get the go ahead.

Opponents of the scheme halted preparation work at the site in December by "occupying" two large excavating machines.

Developer Miller Argent (South Wales) has said the site will reclaim derelict land and bring benefits to the area.

The firm initially received planning permission following a public inquiry, but it was overruled by the High Court.

The assembly government, which backed Ffos-y-Fran, won the right to appeal and an appeal court judge allowed it to go ahead.