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We have objected strongly to the application from York Potash Ltd to open a massive potash-mine within the North York Moors National Park. The mine is planned to be the largest in the world.
The site for the mine head is at Sneaton, three miles south of Whitby, in the north-east part of the park. In addition there is the mineral transport system and a tunnel which requires three shafts, one of them in the national park, so the devastation will be widespread. The mine head is in a pleasant, wooded area close to the popular long-distance Coast to Coast trail between St Bees in Cumbria and Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Yorkshire coast.
The society has sent an objection to the North York Moors National Park Authority which is the planning authority.
We consider it to be unacceptable to locate this development in a national park, which was designated because of its superb landscape and opportunities for quiet recreation.
Developments in national parks must pass the major development test, that there is a national need which cannot be met by alternative means. The applicants have not demonstrated that the development passes that test.
It anyway conflicts with the national park authority’s planning policies relating to environmental protection, design, tourism and recreation. It will have a devastating effect on this sensitive environment, causing a permanent change to the landscape of parts of the national park with damage which will endure for years.
This will become an industrial site in a remote and tranquil area, ruining its special qualities. We have urged the park authority to say a resounding no.