More information requested on Sirius potash project

NORTH York Moors National Park Authority has asked Sirius Minerals for further information on the company’s York Potash project before making a decision on planning.

The request is the second this month from the NYMNPA to the company and will see the authority re-consult with statutory stakeholders once additional information is received from Sirius. 

In a statement to the Stock Market this morning, Sirius said a planning decision on the proposals to construct a potash mine in North Yorkshire would now be determined on July 2.

“Both parties are keen to have the application determined in a timely fashion, under the spirit of the Planning Performance Agreement previously agreed,” Sirius said. 

“The company has committed to providing all additional information to the NYMNPA by 21 April 2013 at the latest.”

Sirius said the further request for information would not hit the overall project timeline for the scheme, which it hopes to start before the end of the year.

Chris Fraser, managing director and chief executive of Sirius, said: “It is in everyone’s best interest that the application is determined properly and robustly and, although there has been a huge amount of work that has gone into the application, it’s important that key consultees are comfortable with the technical details. 

“We remain confident in the strength of the application, the substantial benefits it can deliver and the progress of this important project.”

Sirius added that it had provided a technical report on the plans to the Ministry of Defence, which has raised a ‘holding objection’ in relation to concerns over the possible impact on RAF Fylingdales.

“The company remains confident that it has demonstrated that there will be no impact on this important facility,” Sirius added.