Annesley Bentinck Mine Group wants to use excavated soil from the scheme to widen the M1 Motorway between junctions 28 and 27 to part-fill lagoons on the Kirkby tip site.

County councillors gave the scheme the green light despite concerns it would create major flooding problems during heavy periods of rain.
Campaigners also say the procedure would affect a number of undisturbed explosives and destabilise the former mine.

Selston district councillor Gail Turner –– who was speaking on behalf of the Selston Area Residents' Association, which opposes the plans –– told the meeting: "Filling the eight-metre lagoons with two metres of soil would still leave six metres which would turn into a swamp during heavy rains and if an individual were to fall in there, they would drown."

Ashfield District Council planners gave the scheme the thumbs down at a meeting recently because of the flooding fears.

But Michael Anstock, of the Ashfield Against Landfill group, told Chad the proposals would help bring the restoration of Bentinck Void one step closer.

"The tip site, unlike the void, needs restoration and there is a national shortage of inert material suitable for restoration work," he said.

"The availability of this material requiring a home adjacent to the tip is an opportunity that should not be missed."

Councillors voted to approve the scheme, which is due to begin in the next three years, on the condition work will only be carried out during normal weekday working hours to ensure noise and pollution is kept to a minimum for nearby residents.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Anstock said: "I'm delighted that sense has prevailed and the available material, which is only available for a short time, will be used to restore the colliery tip.

But Coun Turner said: "This is the final nail in the coffin. The evidence I gave was credible –– there is no doubt about that."