The saga over whether open cast mining should be allowed in the Varteg has been a rollercoaster affair.

The decision by Carl Sargeant, minister for housing and regeneration, to refuse permission for Glamorgan Power to have open cast mining in the area has been welcomed by many.

It is a completely different decision than the one expected by the previous minister John Griffiths who was “minded to allow” the plans.

What a difference a reshuffle makes.

It has been a long wait for the residents near the land. They have been waiting since 2011 when Torfaen council rejected the planning application to extract the coal because of concerns over dust and noise pollution.

The firm appealed against the decision which sparked a public inquiry held at the end of January and early February 2012.

Not all residents will be overjoyed at hearing the minister’s refusal.

Some were hoping the land would be rejuvenated after mining operations ended – an unlikely investment now.

It was those figures which ultimately led to the rejection of the plans – they simply didn’t add up.

The future of the Varteg still hangs in the balance, however, as the company has the right to appeal the decision.

Let’s hope this process isn’t made to drag on any longer than it has to for the sake of those living nearby.