Landowner's U-turn over mining plan

Campaigners battling proposals for an opencast mine at a Telford beauty spot were dealt a huge blow today after it was revealed the nearest landowner has withdrawn his opposition to the scheme.

Terry Beanland's company Wolverton Woodlands owns land next to the site UK Coal has earmarked for mining.

He has written to the planning inspector leading the public inquiry formally withdrawing his objections and giving his support.

A six-week inquiry into the plans for Huntington Lane, near Little Wenlock, is to start at Telford's Grays Hotel on April 28.

UK Coal says its plan will stabilise an area riddled by old mine workings, create 90 jobs and help meet the national demand for coal.

Wolverton Woodlands owns Short Wood, Birch Coppice, Black Hayes Wood and Limekiln Wood.

Mr Beanland had resisted the application because of concerns over access to his land and the risk of damage to valuable growing timber.

But today he confirmed he had written a letter supporting the plans following a meeting with UK Coal.

He said: "I wanted certain assurances it would not affect my land detrimentally in terms of the distance of the operation from the woods and that access would be maintained at all times."

Mr Beanland said UK Coal had assured him its operation would be kept a minimum of 20m from his woodland at all times.

Pat Judson, of pressure group Friends of the Ercall, which opposes mining, said he was concerned by Mr Beanland's move.