Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations his Department has received on plans for an opencast mine at a site in Bradley, County Durham; and what discussions he has had with (a) Natural England and (b) Durham County Council on mitigation plans for managing the impact of that mining on the great crested newts in the south of the development area.

The Department has not received any direct representations on plans for an open cast mine at the Bradley site in County Durham. Natural England is the competent authority for issues related to licensing of activities that would impact on protected species and has a statutory function in determining any such licence application.

The Department has not had any discussions with Natural England regarding this site other than agreeing the statement that was published on the Defra Media Blog.

https://deframedia.blog.gov.uk/2018/04/23/monday-23-april-minister-eustice-at-future-farming-event-england-coast-path-in-norfolk-and-cracking-down-on-fly-tipping/

Natural England has not had any discussions with Durham County Council on mitigation plans for managing the impact of the current development on the great crested newts at this site. Natural England is, however, liaising with Banks Group, the developer, regarding the great crested newt surveys at this site.