Planning Appeal

RNS Number : 3664V

Scotgold Resources Ltd

01 November 2010

 

Scotgold Resources Limited ("Scotgold" or the "Company")

Re: Planning Appeal

HIGHLIGHTS

·     Ongoing positive discussions with Parks Authority towards re-application

·     Appeal process to be engaged to 'preserve planning position'

Scotgold Resources Limited ("Scotgold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on planning matters relating to the Cononish Gold and Silver Project.

On 11^th August, the Parks Authority's Director of Planning recommended refusal of Scotgold's application for planning permission for the Cononish Gold and Silver Project. This refusal was upheld by a narrow margin of 12 to 10 at the National Parks Board meeting on 18^th August. The principal reason for refusal was the landscape and visual impact of the Tailings Management Facility (TMF).

Scotgold was surprised and most disappointed at the decision, given the apparent spirit in which previous discussions stretching for over three years had been held, and that it was first told of an intended recommendation for refusal by the Director of Planning only seven days prior to the planning hearing

Since 18^th August, Scotgold directors have met on several occasions with senior representatives of the Parks Authority to discuss the issues surrounding their recommendation for refusal. Scotgold believes encouraging progress is being made through collaborative discussions regarding the possible relocation and re-sizing of the TMF. These discussions are ongoing.

Under Scottish Planning law, an appeal can only be lodged within three months of the decision date (by 18^th November) and whilst the above discussions would indicate that a solution satisfactory to both parties may be attainable, it is unlikely that discussions will have progressed to an extent that the Company is prepared to solely consider re-application for permission by this time.

Scotgold believes its recent application had considerable merit, with significant environmental improvements to the  original application which was granted permission in 1996 and hence, pending further positive discussions regarding reapplication, the Company believes it to be prudent in the meantime to 'preserve its position' by lodging an appeal against the decision of the Parks Authority, and this is the course of action that Scotgold will take.

It is hoped, however, that the discussions with the Parks Authority can be brought to a successful conclusion.

 For further information please contact:

United Kingdom:

Scotgold Resources Limited	Westhouse Securities Limited	Bankside Consultants
John Bentley (Chairman) Chris Sangster (CEO)	Richard Baty / Petre Norton	Simon Rothschild /Louise Mason
Tel: [phone]	Tel: [phone]	Tel [phone]

Australia:

Scotgold Resources Limited	Professional Public Relations
Shane Sadleir (Non-Executive Director)	Karen Oswald
Tel:          [phone] Mobile: [phone]	Tel:          [phone] Mobile: [phone]

 

END

 

 

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