Doncaster-based coal tip restoration business, RecyCoal, has received planning approval to complete an environmentally-led coal recovery and restoration scheme of the Hesley Wood spoil heap in Chapeltown near Sheffield. The project adds to the company’s current UK restoration schemes at Langton in Nottinghamshire, and Rossington in South Yorkshire. The Hesley Wood spoil heap was used for the disposal of colliery waste from the former Smithy Wood Colliery. Approximately 3.3 million cubic metres of waste material will be processed, producing 395,000 t of coal.

Chief Executive of RecyCoal, Tom Allchurch, commented:  “I am delighted that our application to restore the Hesley Wood site has gained planning approval from Sheffield City Council. Our proposed scheme will create a visually appealing and environmentally enhancing alternative to the spoil heap that currently occupies the site and create much needed jobs and economic activity. RecyCoal looks forward to delivering the environmental and economic benefits the scheme brings to the local community.”

The site will be reclaimed and restored to public open space providing significantly enhanced biodiversity and an important local recreation resource through the provision of new routes for public access and a potential extension of the existing Trans Pennine Trail. The footprint of the proposed scheme covers approximately 50 ha, including 38 ha of existing spoil heap. Restoration of the site will create new woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. Woodland areas will cover approximately 22 ha with the planting of over 40,000 trees. Dry grassland and wetlands will occupy a further 22 ha with access for public recreation facilitated via a series of footpaths and bridleways throughout the site. In addition to the environmental and community benefits, the coal recovery operations will create around 35 jobs in the local area.