Everyone would agree with that I'd guess but the question then arises WHICH changes are realistic candidates for "putting back" and to my mind open cast mines and the slag that comes out of them are the number one candidates simply because they are so huge and so absolute (and horrible).

It's not hard for the planning committee is it? "Yes lads, get the coal out if you must but fill in your hole at the end and don't try to save money by giving us this guff about putting a silly face on the pile and calling it a goddess.... " ;)

(If the local community really wanted the sculpture they could have said yes please build it but please also give us the money you'll save on not filling the hole. I suspect the generosity would go away in a puff of smoke at that point.)