MORE than 70 people turned out to a public meeting in Torfaen tonight over controversial plans to allow opencast mining.

Angry residents clashed with supporters of the plans at the heated meeting, which was also attended by Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle who said she was there to listen to people’s concerns.

Residents have fought plans to open a coal mine at Varteg Hill for more than a decade but a fresh planning application for the mine has now been submitted to the council.

The new application, by Glamorgan Power Company, is similar to their first rejected proposal but with extra amendments.

Tonight Torfaen council’s planning officer Norman Jones revealed two leading bodies - Cadw and Icomos, a conservation organisation – had objected to the new plans.

It is the first time Cadw and Icomos have opposed the coal mine proposals during the ten-year row.

Mr Jones said in light of these responses, the applicant is “considering his position”.

He said: “If that means the applications are withdrawn then that will mean the application is finished with.

“Glamorgan Power as developers have invested a significant amount of money over the years, the amount of studies they have done. It’s a big decision to withdraw.”

He added the developers may come to a point “where they think there’s no point pursuing it further”.

Questions were fired at Mr Jones including concerns over any impact on health, the ecology of the area and issues for the nearby Ysgol Bryn Onnen.

One resident asked: “How many times does this have to be turned down? Can’t we finalise it and turn it down for good?”

Another asked whether the council has done a study on what the dangers are.

Mr Jones said: “We got responses from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board who consider the health impact assessment is satisfactory.”

The consultation period will be running until March 11. Mr Jones said the earliest time the planning application will be considered by council members is April.