Thursday 5th July 2012 10:05 AM

RecyCoal has submitted a planning application for an environmentally-led coal recovery and restoration scheme of the Hesley Wood spoil heap in Chapeltown near Sheffield. The project adds to the company's current UK restoration schemes at Langton, in Nottinghamshire and Rossington, in South Yorkshire.

The planning application detailing the reclamation and regeneration of the Hesley Wood site has been submitted to Sheffield City Council. It is expected that, subject to receipt of planning permission, the plant construction will start early 2013 with coal recovery operations commencing later in the year.

The Hesley Wood spoil heap was used for the disposal of colliery waste from the former Smithy Wood Colliery. Approximately 3.3 million cubic metres of waste material will be processed, producing 395,000 tonnes of coal.

The site will be reclaimed and restored to public open space providing significantly enhanced biodiversity and an important local recreation resource through the provision of new routes for public access and a potential extension of the existing Trans Pennine Trail. The footprint of the proposed scheme covers approximately 50 hectares, including 38 hectares of existing spoil heap. Restoration of the site will create new woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. Woodland areas will cover approximately 22 hectares with the planting of over 40,000 trees. Dry grassland and wetlands will occupy a further 22 hectares with access for public recreation facilitated via a series of footpaths and bridleways throughout the site.

In addition to the environmental and community benefits, the coal recovery operations will create around 35 jobs in the local area.

Tom Allchurch, the RecyCoal Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Our proposed scheme will create a visually appealing and environmentally enhancing alternative to the spoil heap that currently occupies the site. And create much needed jobs and economic activity. I hope that residents in the Chapeltown area of Sheffield will take an active interest in our proposals and I look forward to delivering the benefits the scheme brings to the local community."

Please read our Non Technical Sumary and Restoration Proposal Plans for more information.

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