Issue - meetings

Report by the Service Director Economy and Enterprise.

Cllr John Brady, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Housing presented a report which sought Cabinet approval to proceed with consultation on initial site options for the Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

The consultation document was concerned with identification of potential sites for future sand and gravel extraction only. The report also highlighted the implications of the proposed abolition of the Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) from the perspective of aggregates provision.  The responses to the consultation would be used to inform the development of the draft Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals document to be published in Spring 2011.

Resolved:

1.      That Cabinet:

a)      note the need to identify sites for sand and gravel extraction in order to address long-term supply issues and the short-term shortfall in permitted reserves (the landbank);

b)     approve that public consultation is undertaken on initial site options (as shown in Appendix 1 to the report presented) to inform the development of the draft Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations Development Plan Document and

c)           authorise the service Director for Economy and Enterprise, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Housing, to make detailed arrangements for the consultation and finalise the document in Appendix 1 to the report.

2.            That Wiltshire Councillors be advised of any potential sites identified within their respective division and that town and parish councils be similarly kept informed

Reason for Decision

To raise awareness of the proposed consultation on the initial site options for the Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD and ensure that progress continues to be made on the preparation of an up to date mineral planning policy framework for Wiltshire in line with the Council’s statutory requirements.