Sirius Minerals (LON:SXX) has highlighted that a number of background reports have been published by the North York Moors National Park Authority, ahead of a special meeting of the planning committee later this month.
The reports, available on the authority’s website, form part of review documents that are intended to inform the assessment of the planning application, Sirius said.
Findings of all the review documents will be taken into account in the planning officer’s report to the special committee, which will be publicly available at least five working days prior to the committee meeting (scheduled for June 30).
“This is a normal part of the planning process so the company is not offering further commentary on individual reports. Planning officers had already taken account of these and other reports when they advised of their likely open recommendation on the planning application,” Sirius added.
Additionally, Sirius informed investors that following discussions it has now tabled an enhanced proposal to the planning authority in regard to its proposed ‘section 106’ agreement.
The company added that the enhanced proposal is designed to address planning officers' concerns relating to the residual harm that can be addressed through Section 106 contributions.
Paul Smith, analyst at WH Ireland, said: “Everybody will shortly be able to see all the background information to the planning process in advance of the NYMPA committee meeting at the end of June.
“We are hopeful of a positive outcome for Sirius – especially after the planning officers gave an open recommendation and could find nothing material to deny Sirius its application.”
WH Ireland, in a note, repeated a ‘buy’ recommendation and a 37p price target for the UK mine developer.