Talk starts over mineral extraction

Notts County Council is launching a public consultation last Friday to identify issues and potential options it faces in a new Minerals Local Plan.

Possible areas for mineral extraction could include a long-term coal tipping extension at Harworth and prioritising sand and gravel resources at Idle Valley Nature Reserve.

County council cabinet member for environment and sustainability Coun Richard Butler said the authority was required to prepare forward plans on how materials such as coal, gas and brick clay are provided.

“If people live in an area which might have certain types of minerals that might have to be extracted, then they will be interested on finding out more,” he said.

“We are really keen to hear people’s views on the subject and will be taking on board on all views from residents, businesses and industries in the area.”

He added: “The current Minerals Local Plan was adopted in December 2006 and is now due for replacement.”

“This consultation exercise is the first but critical stage in preparing a new plan which will cover the period up 2030.”

Once in place, the plan will help to inform any future planning applications made in specific areas rich in minerals.

For some minerals, the plan may identify actual sites for quarrying.

Coun Butler urged people to have their say in the consultation, which will run from Friday 27th January to Friday 30th March.

“We all know the county has seen significant mining and quarrying activity in the past and this has created local landmarks such as the Idle Valley Nature Reserve in Retford,” he said.

“However, we know that for some people the potential environmental impacts of quarrying can be significant.”

“That’s why we want as many people as possible to take part in the consultation so that, ultimately, we can produce a local minerals plan that reflects the comments, observations and views of all relevant and interested parties.”

To view the main consultation paper and to make further comments, please visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/minerals, email [email protected], phone 08449 808080, or write to the Planning Policy Team, County Hall, West Bridgford NG2 7QP.