A NEW deadline for a decision on the West Cumbrian coal mine has been set.

Leaders were expecting the greenlight for development of the metallurgical coal mine on July 7 but turmoil within the heart of Government has resulted in a delay.

The final decision is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities as the application was called-in back in 2021.

A contentious public inquiry followed and in publishing their findings to the Department for Levelling-Up, the Planning Inspectorate set the deadline for a decision at Thursday July 7.

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It was Robert Jenrick MP’s decision to call-in the application, taking the decision away from Cumbria County Council but after being fired, his role was given to Michael Gove.

Mr Gove was also sacked by Boris Johnson hours before the Prime Minister resigned so no decision was forthcoming.

However the Local Democracy Reporting Service has learned that the new date for a decision on the coal mine August 17.

It follows the appointment of Greg Clark MP as the new Secretary of State.

READ MORE: Gove set to approve Cumbrian coal mine, senior Tory source claims

Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie has written to the new cabinet minister urging him to grant planning permission for the mine as a matter of urgency.

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland has expressed disappointment in the delay but is still confident that the Government will approve the mine.

Mrs Harrison was appointed Minister of State in the Department for Transport yesterday.

READ MORE: Mayor of Copeland urges new secretary of state to approve proposed new coal mine