July 14, 2019 - An "experimental" process where coal seams are set on fire to generate energy could be given the go ahead in Warwickshire, England.

The scheme would see gas captured as coal seams burn which would then be used to generate energy.

But as a consultation came to an end, councillors in North Warwickshire said lessons should be learnt from the Daw Mill Colliery fire.

Demolition works at Daw Mill Colliery

Demolition works at Daw Mill Colliery

The pit, the last to close in the Midlands, was shut down in 2013 following a massive blaze undeground.

Part of the Warwickshire Minerals Plan involved a six-week consultation on underground coal gasification which ended on Tuesday.

The plan will identify where new mineral sites should be located over the next 15 years.

That included underground coal gasification which was approved by the county council's cabinet last and full council in July last year.

A number of councillors spoke against such a scheme in an area that was left reeling from a fire at Daw Mill Colliery - the largest coal producer in the UK - which resulted in the pit's closure in 2013.

Cllr Dave Parsons (Lab Polesworth East) said: "This is a very unproved method and I believe there are very real safety concerns that should be considered."

Cllr Colin Hayfield (Con Coleshill South) added: "Daw Mill gave us the experience. That caught fire and how long were they trying to put out for - it may still be burning now!"

At this week's planning and development board meeting of North Warwickshire Borough Council, officer Mike Dittman explained the process.

He told councillors: "They deliberately set fire to the coal seams underground which generates gas which is used for energy purposes.

"We do have concerns albeit that the county have not raised any indication that there are any licences being sought in the borough - but members will be aware that we do have considerable coal reserves in North Warwickshire.

"We are seeking to reinforce our concerns on the potential impact that a development of this sort may have on the borough and to seek that it is only accommodated if there's a national need and that it is clear that the environmental and physical impacts are outweighed."

And committee chairman Cllr Mark Simson (Con Curdworth) summed up their concerns by saying: "This strikes me as something we should be very wary of.

"Our role is to say to the county council 'make sure you have the information and keep us safe'. This strikes me as something which is experimental and it concerns me greatly.

"I'm happy that we are raising these issues with the county council and asking that they are doubly, triply sure that there is a proven advantage to us and that it is safe."