A PROVISIONAL date for the judicial review of plans for a west Cumbrian mine has been set for the summer.

Campaigners who are fighting the planned coal mine in Whitehaven are one step closer to achieving their goal as a possible date for the judicial review is set for the week commencing July 20.

The judicial review will challenge Cumbria County Council’s decision to approve the plans for the coal mine.

The review date, which is dependent on the situation with coronavirus and a variety of other factors, will take place at Manchester High Court.

Marianne Birkby from Keep Cumbrian Coal in the Hole, said: “We are pleased that a date has now been set for the legal challenge which has had to overcome so many hurdles already to get us to this point.

“We feel that this coal mine has gone way under the radar for so long – the climate impacts alone should have stopped this plan in its tracks from the outset but there is also the issue, much on our minds, that this coal mine would extend to within five miles of the Sellafield site.

“Cumbria would be the only place in the UK with deep mining infrastructure in place.”

Not only is the group concerned about the potential climate impact but they have also raised concerns over proximity of the deep-sea mine to Sellafield nuclear power plant.

Marianne, the driving force behind the challenge, crowdfunded more than £10,000 to cover the cost of legal fees.

The challenge is being supported by Leigh Day solicitors.

Marianne said: “We will continue to work tirelessly along with others to stop this, outrageously dangerous coal mine plan under the Irish Sea.”

Cumbria County Council did not want to comment on this story.

West Cumbria Mining did not respond to a request for comment.