20 January 2014

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

This article and attached Frequently Asked Questions sheet seeks to inform you about the preparation of a new Minerals Local Plan for West Sussex.

The adopted West Sussex Minerals Local Plan (2003) includes strategic and development management policies; it also allocates sites for sand and gravel extraction.  The adopted Plan is now out-of-date.  In addition, the need for a new Local Plan is a requirement of the National Planning Policy Framework.

In May 2011, the County Council agreed to prepare a new Minerals Local Plan (MLP) for West Sussex in partnership with the South Downs National Park Authority.  A commitment to produce the MLP is set out in the County Council’s approved Minerals and Waste Development Scheme (the statutory management plan).  Work on the new MLP has not progressed until recently as the priority has been to prepare the West Sussex Waste Local Plan, which is nearing adoption.

The new MLP will set a strategy for mineral development to 2031, safeguard resources, allocate sites considered suitable for the production of minerals, and include a range of land use-specific and generic policies to manage future mineral development.  The allocation of sites is important as it provides communities and the minerals industry with certainty about where mineral development can take place.

Work on the new MLP has commenced by gathering technical evidence which will be used to inform the emerging Plan.  The timetable for the development of the MLP is set out below.

Key Stage	When
Begin evidence gathering	Autumn 2013
Early Engagement on Mineral Planning Issues	Winter – Summer 2014
Public consultation on Draft MLP following approval by the Cabinet Member & South Downs National Park Authority	Autumn 2014
Public consultation on Proposed Submission MLP following approval by County Council & South Downs National Park Authority	Autumn 2015
Submission of MLP to Government	Winter 2015
Examination in public	Spring 2015/16
Public consultation on Modifications following approval by County Council & South Downs National Park Authority	Autumn 2016
Adoption by County Council & South Downs National Park Authority	Winter 2016

The County Council and South Downs National Park Authority are committed to listening to customers and ensuring that the diverse needs of our communities are taken into consideration throughout the decision making process. To that end, we will be actively seeking your views or the views of those you represent during the MLP preparation process, particularly at the consultation stages highlighted in the timetable above.

Please contact the Planning and Transport Policy Team on 01243 642118 or email the team via mwdf@westsussex.gov.uk