North York Moors mine worker camp scrapped after backlash

Anglo American has scrapped plans to build a temporary camp for hundreds of miners in the North York Moors National Park after an angry backlash.

The global mining company applied for permission to convert an award-winning caravan site near Whitby into space for up to 400 workers. It included 189 double cabins with solar panels and ‘wellness lodges’ – which could have included a bar.

But locals said the site would be a “disaster” for the area and “ruin the peace” of the nearby village of Egton. Anglo scrapped the plan, saying it will go back to the drawing board after “feedback” from the community.

The miner listed on the FTSE100 had no backup option if the caravan park plan fell through. It had hoped the temporary camp would house workers for five years while sinking two-mile-deep shafts at the nearby Woodsmith project – Britain’s largest new mine in decades.

It is the latest setback for the planned potash mine previously owned by Sirius Minerals. Anglo withdrew the temporary camp application after being approached by The Mail on Sunday about dozens of outraged responses to a public consultation. Locals feared the location would deter wildlife in the area, stretch the sewage system and endanger the safety of the villagers.

Others threatened to leave if the site, which would have effectively doubled Egton’s size, went ahead. A letter objecting to the planning application said: ‘Our roads are busy enough without this coming and going. It is absolutely absurd to think that this poses no risk to humans and wildlife.”

Another said, “I feel so strongly about this that if it is accepted, we may well leave the area for good.”

Several respondents said there could be problems, especially if the site had its own bar or pub.

“With alcohol comes girls,” one said, adding that it would be “only normal” for employees to want female company. Another said it could “seriously affect the balance of village life and residents’ quality of life,” adding: “I think Anglo-Americans are naive – or an insult to our intelligence – to believe that providing a canteen and gym will be enough to pacify 400 people. employees for five years or more.

“They will invade the village, that’s human nature.”

Anglo said it had zero tolerance for alcohol at the mine itself and all workers would be tested before shift work began. It is clear that both male and female personnel would have been housed on the site.

Anglo saved the project in 2020 when Sirius was on the brink of collapse. Anglo has already poured hundreds of millions into the plan.

An Anglo spokesperson said it would ‘examine other options’, adding: ‘Listening to people’s views has always been an important part of the project’s ethos.’