The Project
The Planning Application for the 'Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme', incorporating extraction of coal by opencast methods, being the third and final phase of the East Merthyr Reclamation Scheme, was granted planning consent in April 2005.
The East Merthyr Reclamation Scheme was the initiative of Mid Glamorgan County Council, the former Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council and Caerphilly County Borough Council, in partnership with the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) and was launched in the late 1980s by the Secretary of State for Wales following the grant of planning permission.
The East Merthyr Reclamation Scheme has sought to reclaim the derelict and dangerous land to the east of Merthyr Tydfil by way of opencast coal mining operations, restoring the land to beneficial use at no cost to the public purse. Phases I and II of the Scheme have been completed but Phase III was delayed until recently whilst access to the land was sought. Phases I and II have already brought about the restoration of some 106ha of derelict land, which today provides residential, light industrial and recreational uses.
The 'Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme', in its own right, is the largest of the original three phases and would restore 367ha of derelict land. The reclamation works will include the removal of known shafts and adits all previously associated with iron ore and coal workings as well as the removal of fly tipping and many burnt out and stolen cars from the site. This Scheme will create a better and safer environment for the local community for the benefit of future generations.
Works on site commenced in June 2007 and will continue for a further 17.5 years.