Save Blaencuffin Canyons
Blaencuffin Canyons (Tirpentwys Cut) are a fine example of the stunning beauty created when our mining heritage is reclaimed by nature. It sits on the borders of Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent in South East Wales.
The Canyons were created when an operation to opencast for coal was abandoned and left unrestored over 60 years ago, simply left to nature to regenerate the scars and a superb job nature has done. The site is desiganated as a Regionally Important Geological site and a Site Important to Nature Conservation.
The Anti Quarry Coalition (AQC) are a group of residents fighting to save Blaencuffin Canyons from a destructive application to Quarry for aggregates. We are raising funds to help fight the application on behalf of local Communities.
The planning application was turned down by Torfaen CBC but the Company has appealed the decision. There will now be a Public Inquiry in January 2019. Residents who've been fighting the application since 2003 formed the AQC to enable us to apply for full participation rights at the Public Inquiry and continue to represent our Communities.
To make our strongest case we need some professional assistance. To achieve this we are asking anyone who loves and visits the Canyons to chip in and help towards fees for expert advice, representation and the general costs of preparing our case. We are determined to stand up for our Communities but need some help
from our friends.
The quarry, if allowed at appeal, will destroy an area of rare beauty, its valuable habitats, important geological feature and a very fine example of natures ability to heal the damage caused by past industry. It will blight our peaceful Common and negatively affect road safety and pollution in our Communities.
100 HGV movements a day, 6 days a week across the Common and onto our already congested Trunk roads, 40 associated traffic movements a day using single track access roads onto the Common to access the quarry.Associated transport of aggregates will bring dust, noise and traffic pollution to an area currently enjoyed for it's stunning views, tranquility, wildlife, clean air and open spaces and the villages that lie along transport routes.
Precious Ancient Woodland would be permanently damaged by a haul road built to bring the aggregates down off the Common...over 3 hectares of valuable ancient woodland destroyed... an area of destruction bigger than most Ancient Woodlands surviving in Wales.
If allowed, the quarry will blight a wide area for up to 20 years. It has the potential to negatively impact upon WG proposals to regenerate our valleys and their economies via tourism..... destroying what is now regarded locally as an example of our heritage - our PAST mining industries, as well as damaging our present aspiration..... to remain green valleys, open and welcoming of visitors in the 21 Century ......and all for 12 local jobs. Nah!
Any contribution will make a difference.
Diolch yn fawr x
Donations are now closed as we await the imminent outcome of the Public Inquiry via the Planning Inspector's report and Welsh Government Minister's decision..... we will leave this page active to view and update with a decision when available ......