Cauldon Quarry near Cheadle - part of a vital industry

Plans for a rock solid future unveiled

Last year Staffordshire County Council planners asked the public to help them shape the future of Staffordshire's landscape and economy as part of the first stage of a review of the planning policies for quarries.

Residents were asked for their opinions to help shape the new Minerals Core Strategy. This will become the definitive guide to what types of materials for industry and construction can be dug out of the Staffordshire landscape over the next 10 to 15 years.

Their valuable comments will be presented to the County Council's Planning Committee. The report will summarise 357 responses from the 64 respondents, both individuals and groups.

The consultation gathered opinions and comments both from the general public and from action groups, parish councils, landowners, mineral operators and Government agencies.

Responses covered a wide range of issues and included suggesting ways which the mineral supply could be maintained and options for protecting the environment and the welfare of local communities.

The comments reveal support for policies which will promote sustainable development by encouraging recycling, exploring the use of alternative materials and targeting wastage of materials.

There was also support for the development of a set of guidelines which will determine the uses for quarried land after extraction is finished.  Comments highlight the opportunities for restoring the landscape and habitat in consultation with local communities.

The presentation to councillors will make it clear that it is not the purpose of this strategy to identify specific sites for future quarrying.

Paul Wilcox of the Head of the County Council's Development Control and Waste Management Unit explained: "The development of the Minerals Core Strategy is only the first stage of a much larger piece of work which will lead up to the production of Staffordshire's Minerals and Waste Development Framework.

"The next stage will be the preparation of the Mineral Site Allocations Development Plan, and we expect to start preparing this in the autumn when there will be renewed opportunities for people to have their say", he said.

County Councillor John Wakefield said:  "Minerals are vital for the Staffordshire's economy.  They include the raw materials for concrete, road stone and a whole range of other products.  Future economic growth and jobs will depend on the careful use of these natural resources.

"We are always conscious that extracting minerals will raise many concerns for residents, and this is why hearing the views of a wide range of individuals and groups is so vital as we plan for the future.  It's all about getting the balance right", he said.

You can find details of progress of the Minerals Core Strategy and other planning policies for minerals and waste development on the County Council's website www.staffordshire.gov.uk/planning.

Page Last Modified: 30/01/2007 16:05:32

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