Campaigners have vowed to fight a government decision to allow a coal mine near one of Telford’s landmarks and beauty spots, the Wrekin hill.
The government has this week allowed, with conditions, a proposed opencast mine for 900,000 tonnes of coal at Huntington Lane, following a public inquiry earlier this year.
UK Coal applied to mine coal, between New Works and Little Wenlock, claiming it will create 92 jobs and provide fuel for Ironbridge Power Station.
The proposals were the subject of a six-week public inquiry which saw opposition from campaign groups, nearby residents and Telford & Wrekin Council.
Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard said: “People will be very angry. Ministers have chosen to ignore the genuine opinions of local people. This will cause much anxiety in New Works and Arleston. Ministers have got it completely wrong.”
Pat Judson, campaigner and member of the former Friends of the Ercall, said he is prepared to legally protest.
He said: “I think the Government is insane.
“This is a black day for Telford. Telford will have to prepare many hospital beds for the asthma sufferers. Anybody down wind is now at risk.
“We intend to be the thorn in the side of UK Coal regarding any possible breach of site conditions. We will be watching them extremely carefully.”
Mr Jusdon is also calling for a 500 metre buffer zone to protect people. He said Scotland and Wales require this on all opencast mines.
Council leader Andrew Eade said about the appeal: “This is a totally crass decision. Telford & Wrekin Council has fought this tooth and nail and we are deeply disappointed on behalf of all the residents who will be affected by this.
“We are urgently examining every aspect of the decision with our legal team.”
UK Coal spokesman Stuart Oliver said once conditions attached to planning permission were sorted they hoped to be on site by spring or early summer.
He added: “We want to be a good neighbour whilst in the community and are now going to set out our stall to achieve that.”
Mr Judson is urging people to visit www.wrekinfriends.com to sign a petition for a buffer zone.