Planning and minerals

Mineral planning is vital if we are to be sure of maintaining a sustainable supply of minerals to meet our needs today – and the needs of our grandchildren in the future. While most minerals are in plentiful supply geologically in the UK, they are not always accessible and a delicate balance has to be struck between the sometimes competing needs to satisfy our needs while also protecting our environment. It is the striking of that balance that is the responsibility of the mineral planning system which is based on Government guidelines and implemented on the ground by local authorities.

Maintaining what is known as the industry’s “licence to operate” is a substantial concern for operators who have struggled over recent years to maintain an adequate “landbank” of planning permissions.

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