RecyCoal receive planning approval for Hesley Wood spoil heap
Doncaster-based RecyCoal have received planning approval to complete an environmentally led coal recovery and restoration scheme at 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 Hesley Wood spoil heap was used for the disposal of colliery waste from the former Smithy Wood Colliery. Approximately 3.3 million cubic metes 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 50ha, including 38ha of existing spoil heap. Restoration of the site will create new woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. Woodland areas will cover approximately 22ha with the planting of more than 40,000 trees. Dry grassland and wetlands will occupy a further 22ha, 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, chief executive of RecyCoal, commented: ‘I am delighted that our application to restore the Hesley Wood site has gained planning approval from Sheffield City Council. 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.’
RecyCoal, specialists in the recovery of waste coal from active coal mines, abandoned mine spoil heaps and mine washery discard, were formed in July 2010 when ATH Regeneration Ltd were acquired from ATH Resources plc in a £6.5 million management buy-out.
The company offers a complete solution from design through to construction and operation, delivering the coal produced to clients or direct to the power-generation market. RecyCoal’s special natural-medium dual-density system allows the company to efficiently recover waste coal that other systems are unable to process; this is achieved with no tailings ponds and extremely low water usage.
