Planning (Opencast Mining Separation Zones) Bill

<p>The Bill would require the Secretary of State to publish guidance on opencast mining policy in England. The guidance must include a specific policy requiring a 500-metre separation zone to be maintained between opencast mining sites and the nearest residential premises, unless the circumstances are exceptional.</p><p>It would require that mineral planning authorities in England must have regard to any such guidance issued when fulfilling their functions.</p><p>The Bill would bring the guidance on opencast mining in England more closely into line with the guidance that applies in Scotland and Wales.</p>