A PUBLIC inquiry began yesterday into Torfaen council’s rejection of plans for open-cast mining at Varteg, near Pontypool.

The council refused permission for 325,000 tonnes of coal to be extracted because of concerns over dust and noise pollution.

Applicant Glamorgan Power Company is appealing against the decision at County Hall, Cwmbran, in front of Welsh Governmentappointed officer Clive Nield.

It is saying the proposal is the only way to achieve reclamation of the land.

Hundreds of local residents opposed proposals, including teachers and parents from Ysgol Bryn Onnen, just 120 metres away.

At the hearing, Morag Ellis QC, representing Glamorgan Power Company called the site “a tiny baby, a newinfant compared to characteristic coal mines”.

She said the site would be damped down with water at all times to stop dust particles lifting into the air.

She also said lorries leaving the site would be covered to stop dust leaving their bodies, and a three metre-high screen would be put up to shield the site.

However, Torfaen council’s senior environmental health officer Peter Oates said machines working on the coal tip would be higher than this level, creating dust and noise problems.

Resident Yvonne Walker said council officials should also have spoken to GPs and residents who have chest complaints and asthma and would suffer from dust pollution.

Indepedent health and safety expert Simon Croxford looked at the site at theendof last year on Torfaen council’s request and believes opencast mining is not the best solution for the land.

He pointed to the tip of coal being unstable and said there are also mine structures and entries on site which are unsafe.

David Barnard, a planning and waste management consultant, also looked at the site on the council’s behalf.

He proposed only mining 180,000 tonnes of coal from an area that is further away from homes.

However, Glamorgan Power said changes to coal and fuel priceswouldmakeminingthis reduced amount unprofitable.

Proceeding.