ellington and lynemouth collieries reclamation and restoration · ellington and lynemouth...

Ellington and Lynemouth Collieries Reclamation and Restoration

Minerals and Waste Site Monitoring Report

Inspection Date: 19 December 2013 Report Reference: ELCR12/13 - 01

Tel: 01670 622 633 E-mail: [email protected]

Strategic and Urban Development Management Team Local Services

Northumberland County Council County Hall, Morpeth

Northumberland NE61 2EF

- 1 - Minerals and Waste Site Monitoring

Ellington and Lynemouth Collieries Site

Site Details

Site Address

Lynemouth Coal Process Point Lynemouth Northumberland

Grid Reference: NZ284916 (Ellington) NZ299903 (Lynemouth)

Operator UK Coal Contact

Martin Mee 01302 755042

Location Ellington Colliery is located to the east of the town of Ellington, Lynemouth Coal Process Point is located to the south of Lynemouth, the Bewick Drift is located near to the sea front, to the east of Lynemouth and the Lynemouth 3 & 4 shafts are located to the north of the Bewick drift site.

Method of Working Underground coal extraction. Extraction at the site ceased in the early part of 2005.

Restoration The reclamation and restoration of the above complex consists of the main areas of Ellington Colliery, Lynemouth Coal Process Point, Lynemouth 3 & 4 shafts and the Bewick Drift area. The sites ceased coal production in the early part of 2005 and have subsequently been cleared of the main infrastructure from the coal mining activities, including most of the buildings and structures. The shafts and drift have also been capped off.

Relevant Planning History Planning permission Description

07/00066/CCMDET Ellington Colliery Restoration


Site Plan

Location plan of the sites, showing the issues under discussion.

Ellington site.

Bewick Drift site.

Lynemouth 3 & 4 shaft site.

Lynemouth site.

Areas to be restored to species rich grassland using green hay.

Area planted with trees.

Area seeded to grass with a temporary seed mix.


Site Report The sites were inspected to review the progress of restoration and aftercare works to date and to identify any issues which may have arisen on the sites. Ellington Colliery The site is protected by palisade fencing around the perimeter however the northern gates were open and there was evidence that the padlock had been broken. The grassland on the site had not been mown or grazed since the previous inspection and was long and tussocky. There was no evidence of serious weed infestations on the land. The rows of Lime trees along the boundary of the site were inspected. As stated in previous monitoring reports, some of the trees have failed and the operator has been advised to replant such trees. It was noted that the replanting had not occurred and therefore remains as an action for the operator to complete

Northern entrance to site showing unsecured gates


Restoration plan of the Ellington site showing the areas under discussion.

Rows of Small leaved limes

5m strip of woodland tree planting

Mine vent with palisade fence to maintain a 10m standoff.

Row of limes where several trees are dead and are to be replaced

Gates open


Lynemouth Disposal Point The western area of the Disposal Point is now used as access to the wind turbine which has been erected on the site and also to the minewater treatment works. The entrance to the site appeared tidy and reasonably well maintained, however the area to the north of the site entrance was untidy and strewn with debris.

View looking north from entrance to Lynemouth Site

Bewick Drift

The entrance to this site remains gated and locked, but good views can b e achieved from the perimeter fence on the boundary of the site. Four horses were grazing on the site, with a hay feeder and water barrel present on the northern elevation of the site. The grass sward was relatively short in length due to the grazing of the horses. There were some areas of waterlogging evident on the site.


View of Bewick Drift looking south showing areas of waterlogging

Lynemouth 3 & 4 Shafts This site was accessible as no agricultural gate has been installed at the site entrance. T he cut block of stone remains at the site entrance to prevent vehicles entering the site. The site entrance was free from fly tipping but there was evidence of tipped material at the sides of the entrance. The operator should remove this fly tipping in t he interests of maintaining the visual appearance of the site. The trees in this area continue to develop slowly. Several failed trees remain on site but the MPA has agreed with the operator these will not be replanted in the interest of creating glades i n the wood to support and attract the establishment of wildflowers and butterflies. The grass around the trees has not been maintained and appears to be choking their growth. The gorse bushes on the eastern elevation of the site are established and form a natural line along the boundary of the site. The gorse bushes may require cutting back should they begin to dominate the site and hinder the development of the tree growth. The operator should carry out weed control works between April and September each year to ensure that this situation continues.


Evidence of flytipping at entrance to Lynemouth Shaft 3 & 4

Tree planting requiring maintenance at Lynemouth Shafts 3 & 4


Actions A meeting is requested to discuss the outstanding issues and future of these sites early in 2014. The operator is requested to contact the MPA to arrange a convenient time and location to discuss how issues on the sites are progressed. Site

Action

Timescale

All Sites The Operator is requested to contact the MPA to discuss the future of the sites and the ongoing maintenance issues highlighted in this report

31.01.2014

Ellington Deadstock replacement is required where Horses and Rabbits have damaged and destroyed trees. Replacement of Lime Trees should be undertaken prior to the end of the current tree planting season.

31.01.2014

Ellington Site to be secured 31.01.2014 Lynemouth Appearance of northern screening bund is

to be improved by seeding to grass during spring 2014.

30.04.2014

The operator is to advise the MPA regarding the coal blending requirements for the central area.

31.01.2014

Eastern area is to be regraded to an acceptable contour and finish, cross ripped, stone picked and then seeded with green hay/seed mixture combination (any seed mixture used to be agreed with the MPA).

30.04.2014

Bewick Drift The palisade fence around the site is to be removed and replaced with an agricultural stock fence and gate.

31.01.2014

A permanent field water supply to be installed, including a water trough

31.01.2014

Lynemouth Shaft 3&4

Effective weed control is to be carried out on docks.

30.04.2014

Agricultural gates are to be fitted at the site entrance.

30.04.2014

Flytipping at the site entrance is to be removed

31.01.2014

Report sign off


Inspecting Officer: Name:

Katherine Robbie

Signed:

Date:

23 December 2013


Conditions & Compliance (Planning ref.07/00066/CCMDET

Condition Summary of proposed conditions – Ellington Colliery Restoration Compliance (y/n)

1 Restoration carried out in accordance with plans and specification approved by the MPA.

See actions list.

2 Details of minewater treatment scheme to be submitted to MPA for approval. Scheme to be implemented in accordance with the approved scheme.

n/a

3 All interim and permanent restoration measures shall be implemented within 2 year of the date of approval.

n/a

4 Unless otherwise agreed in writing or unless an approved permanent redevelopment has commenced, a scheme for the permanent restoration of the interim restored area shall be submitted for approval within 5 years of this approval. Areas then to be restored within a further year

n/a

5 Proposals for the permanent restoration of any interim restoration areas not ultimately included within the area approved for redevelopment to be submitted for approval to MPA. Proposal submitted with 1 year of planning permission for redevelopment. Those parts of the site to be restored within 1 year of approval of the permanent restoration scheme.

n/a

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