Removal of stolen and burnt out cars

The community of Merthyr has already substantially benefited from Phases I and II of the East Merthyr Reclamation Scheme, both of which included the extraction of coal by opencast methods. They will again similarly benefit from this final phase.

The 'Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme', in its own right, is the largest of the original three phases and will restore 367ha of derelict land, including the removal of known shafts and adits all previously associated with iron ore and coal workings to finally complete the original land reclamation scheme. The land was in a very poor state and, as well as evidence of fly tipping, between May 2002 and May 2007 the Council removed 58 burnt out and stolen cars from the site, with further cars remaining. The Scheme will go a long way towards creating a better and safer environment for the local community.

The Scheme was environmentally assessed by specialist consultants to include issues relating to the landscape, land use, utilities, footpaths, urban common, traffic and transport, soils, hydrology, geology, hydrogeology, archaeology and historic landscape, ecology, visual impact, noise, waste management, air quality, blasting and socio economic matters.

The current design is considered to be the most environmentally acceptable proposal for completing the Local Authority's reclamation objectives at East Merthyr whilst recovering the full proven reserve of underlying coal by opencast means.

Furthermore, the implemented design will achieve this over the shortest possible period with the smallest possible land-take.

The majority of the land will be returned to common and agricultural land and will be progressively restored as the site is worked.  The land will be subject to a period of five years' aftercare as areas are released.

There may be a possibility of some further economic development at a later date on the land that is not returned to common although this will be subject to a compeltely new planning application.

The 'Ffos-y-fran Land Reclamation Scheme' is likely to generate employment for around 600 people (200 direct and some 400 indirect jobs). And just as importantly will contribute to the continued vitality of the Welsh Coal Industry and that of Aberthaw Power Station, thus providing security for over 2350 jobs. The workforce will be predominantly from the local area. Appropriate training will be given to promote the necessary skills, along with continuous training and learning as their future progresses.

Whilst it is accepted and recognised that there are impacts as a result of the Scheme, it is firmly believed that the proposed mitigation works and benefits, as a result of the Scheme, far outweigh any disadvantages.