A GLOBALLY renowned activist has spoken against plans for a coal mine in Whitehaven and a Cumbrian group is considering launching a legal challenge based on its proximity to Sellafield.

Secretary of State Robert Jenrick revealed on Wednesday that he would not call-in plans for the Woodhouse Colliery coal mine proposed for the west Cumbrian coast.

The Secretary of State had previously asked for the final go ahead on plans, his U-turn means the decision is Cumbria County Council’s to make.

Environmental activist Greta Thunberg has spoken out against the decision, she believes it is at odds with the Government's zero Carbon ambitions: “The UK government has decided not to intervene with the plans of opening a brand new English coal mine" she said.

"This really shows the true meaning of so called “net zero 2050.

Miss Thunberg said: “These vague, insufficient targets long into the future basically mean nothing today.”

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council: “The Secretary of State has the power to take over particular planning applications rather than letting the local planning authority decide, which is known as ‘call-in’.

“We have been informed that the Secretary of State has decided not to call in the decision on the planning application for West Cumbria Mining. This is a matter for the Secretary of State and therefore it would not be appropriate for us to comment on their decision.

“The Council will now work with the developer to formalise the legal planning obligations, referred to as a section 106 Agreement.

They said: “The Section 106 agreement will need to be finalised before the Council can formally give the development permission.”

The £165 million West Cumbria Mining plan would extract coking coal from under the Irish Sea off the coast of Whitehaven.

It’s location creates safety concerns for activist Marianne Birkby and her group: Radiation Free Lakeland. They said: “We know for a fact that earthquakes are induced by mining. The developers themselves have admitted in their documents that subsidence expected to occur.

“What’s the main thing you don’t want to do with radioactive waste? Disturb them.”

She said: “There’s absolutely no reason to open a new coal mine, especially not one below radioactive waste."

The group is trying to raise £5,000 to pay Leigh Day solicitors to looking into grounds for a legal challenge.