Minerals Local Plan Background Document · Cemex and Tarmac ... the Response Document produced after each consultation. 1.3. This Consultation Statement document sets out the main

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Minerals Local Plan Background Document

Worcestershire County Council: June 2014

Consultation Statement

Nicholas Dean, Marianne Joynes, Rebecca Schofield, Sarah Button

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Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3

2. First Stage Consultation ........................................................................................ 33

Publicity activities .................................................................................................. 33

Methods used ........................................................................................................ 34

Events with Partners ............................................................................................. 38

Other activities ...................................................................................................... 39

Consultation on relevant appraisals and assessments .......................................... 39

Consultation on the evidence base ....................................................................... 39

Summary of activities under the duty to cooperate ................................................ 40

3. Second Stage Consultation ................................................................................... 55

Publicity activities .................................................................................................. 55

Methods used ........................................................................................................ 57

Events with Partners ............................................................................................. 62

Consultation on relevant appraisals and assessments .......................................... 63

Consultation on the evidence base ....................................................................... 64

Summary of activities under the duty to cooperate ................................................ 65

Discussion with Minerals Industry ............................................................................. 81

Cemex and Tarmac ............................................................................................... 81

Tarmac .................................................................................................................. 81

Salop Sand and Gravel ......................................................................................... 82

Coal Authority and CoalPro ................................................................................... 82

Appendix A: A summary of the legislative and regulatory requirements ....................... 84

Appendix B: Direct mail/e-mail distribution list: first stage consultation ......................... 86

Appendix C: Direct mail/e-mail distribution list: second stage consultation ................... 90

Specific consultees: ...................................................................................................... 90

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1. Introduction 1.1. This Consultation Statement, provides a summary of the consultation activities

undertaken during the preparation of the Worcestershire Minerals Local Plan and sets out:

which bodies were invited to make representations during the preparation of the Minerals Local Plan,

how they were invited to make these representations,

a summary of the main issues raised and

how those issues have been addressed.

1.2. Officers are committed to addressing issues raised at any point in the development of the Minerals Local Plan up until the statutory period of representations prior to submission of the plan to the Secretary of State. However, it can be more difficult for comments made outside formal consultation periods to be addressed in the same way and they are unlikely to be included in the Response Document produced after each consultation.

1.3. This Consultation Statement document sets out the main consultation activities undertaken and summarises the issues raised. If at any stage you feel your comments have not been adequately addressed we would urge you to discuss the matter with us.

2. The Minerals Local Plan must be prepared in legislative and regulatory requirements. Second Stage Consultation

2.1. The second formal stage of consultation on the Minerals Local Plan began on 11

th November 2013 and ran until 31

st January 2014.

2.2. This consultation included:

A portrait of Worcestershire giving an overview of the minerals found in Worcestershire and identifying the key issues affecting the county

A draft vision and objectives for what the Minerals Local Plan should aim to achieve

A spatial strategy diagram which set out very broadly what type of development the County Council would like where

Details of how much of each mineral we need to provide and when, including alternative methods considered in making this calculation and options for when it should be provided

Ideas about how minerals should be worked, setting out the issues to be considered when developing criteria to manage working practices

Ideas about where minerals should be worked, setting out the issues to be considered when developing location criteria for all mineral workings and identifying 'areas of search' for aggregates and an 'opportunity area' for clay

Ideas about how mineral workings should be restored, setting out issues to be considered when developing principles for all workings and a proposed approach to identifying key considerations and restoration priorities for each individual 'area of search'

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Details of how minerals should be safeguarded for future use including alternative options to consider

2.3. A variety of consultation and engagement methods were therefore used to meet

these different objectives:

Consultation document, summary document and questionnaire;

Open day drop-in sessions;

Stakeholder workshops offered; and

Online quiz. More details about these methods are outlined later in this section.

Publicity activities

Worcestershire County Council Website

2.4. All relevant documents were included in a dedicated section on the Council's website with the shortlink www.worcestershire.gov.uk/minerals. This link was included in all public notices, press releases, via social media posts, and in letters and emails.

2.5. The consultation was also listed on the Council's "consultation portal" and was publicised in two articles posted to the front-page news section of the Council's website during the consultation.

Public notices 2.6. Public notices were placed in newspapers covering the county:

Bromsgrove and Droitwich Advertiser (13th November 2013)

Evesham Journal (14th November 2013)

Kidderminster Shuttle/Times (14th November 2013)

Ludlow & Tenbury Wells Advertiser (14th November 2013)

Malvern Gazette and Ledbury Reporter (15th November 2013)

Redditch Advertiser and Alcester Chronicle (13th

November 2013)

Stourbridge News/County Express (14th November 2013)

Worcester News (14th November 2013)

Press releases 2.7. Two rounds of proactive media activity, tailored by news patch, were undertaken

during the consultation period with press releases being sent to all County newspapers and radio stations. 11 articles appeared in local media.

2.8. Press releases were also sent to other organisations and stories were carried in the following publications:

Worcestershire County Association of Local Councils, CALC Update, Issue 42 (8

th November 2013)

Wychavon's Strategic Partnership and LSPs newsletter, Communicate (December 2013)

NFU's weekly email newsletter to all members in the West Midlands (from 15

th November for several weeks) and the regional pages of

NFUOnline.com.

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Direct mail

2.9. On 11th November 2013, an email was sent to all contacts on the Council's

Minerals Planning Database who had opted to be contacted by email (394 email addresses) and all other contacts on the database were sent a letter (113 postal addresses). Both of these included details of and links to the summary and main consultation documents, questionnaire, open days, and background documents.

2.10. Following further consideration of the contacts who had registered an interest in the Minerals Local Plan, it was felt that there may be additional contacts who it would be desirable to inform about the consultation. All contacts on the SCI and Waste Core Strategy consultation database had previously been sent the "Get involved in Planning" Questionnaire but a number of contacts either did not respond, or responded but did not request to receive information on minerals policy. These contacts were considered and three groups were identified:

"white group" – this group were not considered essential to the development of the Minerals Local Plan and were not contacted again.

"blue group" – this group were considered important to be involved in the development of the plan. This group were added to the Minerals consultation database but given the option to be removed on request.

"pink group" – this group were considered to have a potential interest in the development of the Minerals Local Plan. This group were sent the "Get Involved with Planning" questionnaire again but not automatically added to the Minerals consultation database.

The "blue" and "pink" groups were sent letters or emails on 12th December 2013

which contained the same information as the 11th November letters and emails

with additional details of why they were receiving the communication. 122 letters and 49 emails were sent to blue group, and 165 letters and 52 emails were sent to the pink group.

2.11. A full list of consultees is set out in Appendix C.

Social Media

2.12. Twitter: 7 social media messages were posted through the County Council Twitter channel over the consultation linking through to dedicated website section. The Council had approximately 9,000 followers at this time.

Methods used

Open days

2.13. Three open days were held near the beginning of the consultation period to give the public a chance to find out more about the second stage consultation, look at the background documents, and ask officers questions. The event was publicised in the consultation leaflet and in all publicity on the consultation in general.

2.14. A number of key pages from the consultation document were produced at

poster scale, and all of the Areas of Search were also printed at a large scale. Background documents, the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment, and large-scale geological maps of the county were also available for the public to peruse during the events. Though we attempted to direct the public to the digital copies of the documents, a number of printed consultation

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documents, summary documents and paper questionnaires were available for the public to take away.

2.15. Worcester Open Day was held on Saturday 30 November 2013, 10:00 - 15:30, at Worcestershire Countryside Centre. There were 7 attendees. This event deliberately coincided with a well-attended fun run in the park, the Worcestershire Christmas Market (the County Council car park serves as a park and ride for Christmas shopping weekends) and a rugby match, all of which were expected to attract passing interest in the consultation.

2.16. The main interest on this day came from Longdon/Queenhill, with parish councillors and residents from the Longdon, Queenhill and Holdfast Parish expressing concern about an existing application on a site near Holdfast.

2.17. Bromsgrove Open Day was held on Wednesday 4 December 2013, 14:00 - 20:00, in the Spadesbourne Suite at Bromsgrove District Council Office. There were 21 attendees. This event was added to the schedule on the request of the Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure and deputy leader of the council as there was local interest in the plan. Attendees at this event included Bromsgrove District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, local residents, and representatives from a number of parish councils (Bentley Pauncefoot, Belbroughton, Hagley). The main areas of interest were concerns about landfills in former quarries and potential links with housing proposals.

2.18. Kidderminster Open Day was held on Saturday 7 December 2013, 10:00 - 16:00, at Kidderminster Library. The Open Day was advertised on hoardings outside and inside the Library. There were 3 attendees. All attendees at this event were members of the public.

2.19. The number of attendees in itself does not indicate the success of these open

days as many in-depth conversations were held about detailed aspects of the plan. People were primarily interested in learning about resources and sites in their areas, and some looked at Areas of Search maps in detail. Following specific questions, electronic links and detailed maps were emailed to answer individual queries. A number of attendees took full consultation or summary documents and questionnaires away with them. There were also a lot of general questions asked about the consultation and the minerals local plan.

Workshops

2.20. We proposed to hold two types of workshop during the consultation period:

An industry workshop aimed specifically at operators to get an industry perspective and to focus on technical issues and deliverability.

A green infrastructure workshop aimed at organisations involved in delivering and managing green infrastructure in and around the county to focus on the implementation and deliverability of our restoration aspirations.

2.21. These workshops did not take place as no expressions of interest were received

for either event.

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Consultation Documents

2.22. We produced a main consultation document which set out the processes we had undertaken and options we had considered to arrive at the proposed approaches. The consultation document included:


A draft vision and objectives for what we think the Minerals Local Plan should aim to achieve





Our ideas about how mineral workings should be restored, setting out issues to be considered when developing principles for all workings and a proposed approach to identifying key considerations and restoration priorities for each individual 'area of search'

Details of how minerals should be safeguarded for future use including alternative options to consider.

2.23. The consultation document included 44 questions some of which were technical

in nature and others which were more general. The questionnaire could be completed online or returned to our dedicated email address or freepost mailing address.

2.24. As the main consultation document was lengthy (327 pages including Appendices), we also produced a summary document. The summary document was composed of extracts from the main consultation document and gave an overview of the issues the new Minerals Local Plan will address and how we used the comments made on the first consultation on the Minerals Local Plan to develop the approaches proposed.

2.25. The summary document was intended to give a good overview and enough

information to help readers decide which sections they might want to look at in more detail. It set out some of the consultation questions in full, and signposted the reader to the main consultation document where the detailed information was required to answer the questions.

2.26. Both documents were available in a "page turner" version, a downloadable PDF, or in printed form on request. 10 copies of the main document and 6 copies of the summary document were posted out on request. Printed documents were also made available in the county's libraries and at County Hall reception.

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2.27. We received 30 questionnaire responses and 36 general responses by letter or email that did not use the questionnaire format for a total of 66 responses. This gives an overall response rate of 8.9%.

2.28. The comments received to the second stage consultation were broadly

constructive and positive. The restoration-led approach was especially lauded by conservation organisations, though the minerals industry expressed some reservations and we anticipate that some refinement of the areas of search and the methodology employed to determine them will be necessary. We received very useful feedback from industry respondents regarding ways in which we may strengthen our approach as we begin to draft policies. Local Authorities within and neighbouring Worcestershire also brought a number of important cross-boundary issues to our attention that will require further work. These include projected housing development and demand for aggregates, crushed rock provision, and sustainable transport. Individuals and parish councils expressed concern about particular sites, and ensuring that Worcestershire's local character is captured and expressed in the draft plan.

2.29. There was general agreement with the "issues that need to be addressed through policy criteria" which were identified in tables 5, 10 and 24. Some respondents identified issues that they would like to see strengthened or added, and these will be addressed as we develop the draft policies. Monitoring was identified as a cross-cutting issue in the responses we received, and we will be looking at how monitoring requirements could be incorporated into the draft policies at the next stage of consultation.

2.30. Below is a brief summary of the key issues that arose in each section of the consultation:

Portrait of Worcestershire

Respondents broadly agreed with the Portrait of Worcestershire, but in this section and in others, respondents indicated that we could do a better job identifying the things that make Worcestershire unique. Some people recommended that specific sites or locations be included, and we realise that we will need to do a better job conveying Worcestershire's local character in the draft plan.

Vision and objectives

Most responses were in general agreement with the vision and objectives. We received a number of suggestions for amended wording to help clarify our intentions, especially around the historic environment, and some respondents would like to see the objectives become more locally specific.

How much mineral will we make provision for?

Respondents expressed a number of views regarding our proposed approach to meeting our landbank. Some consultees have suggested that we take different approaches to sand and gravel which will have some landbank at the start of the plan period and crushed rock which we currently have no landbank for. We are considering the comments we have received to establish the most appropriate way forward.

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Cross-boundary issues, crushed rock provision, and protection of AONBs all also figured heavily in responses to this section. There were also concerns expressed about the conversion factor we used to calculate the amount of mineral in resource areas, and about the reliability of information used for one particular resource area. We will undertake further work to refine these estimates and will produce a revised version of the Analysis of Mineral Resources in Worcestershire in due course.

When will minerals be worked and when will our reserves meet national targets?

Consultees clarified that national policy regarding landbanks does not set targets. We acknowledge that this is correct and we mis-used the term "targets", but as we have used this terminology throughout the second stage consultation, we continued to use it in the Consultation Response Document in order to remain consistent with the consultation documents and the questionnaire. We will refine our terminology for the draft plan.

How will minerals be worked?

Proximity of mineral workings to "sensitive receptors" caused some concern, along with the removal of the now-outdated "sieve test" approach. The rationale for the removal of the sieve test is outlined in Appendix 1 of the main consultation document, along with a detailed explanation of changes to the regulatory and national policy context since the adoption of the 1997 Hereford and Worcester Minerals Local Plan. These changes mean that we have had to re-think our approach to identifying constraints and establishing "buffer zones" as the policy context is substantially different than it was in 1997.

Where will minerals be worked?

Respondents expressed concerns about the protection of Worcestershire's AONBs and other landscapes, and concern that visual impact has not been addressed satisfactorily in the second stage consultation. There was also concern expressed from industry and the public about how any proposed sites outside of the areas of search will be handled. We will be refining the areas of search based on the comments received during this consultation, and we believe that some of our earlier assumptions will need to be revisited.

Respondents have also specifically asked that we consider Nitrate Protection Zones, agricultural land quality and source protection zones in preparing our draft policies.

How will mineral workings be restored?

Responses to the restoration-led approach were generally positive, and were met with special acclaim from conservation organisations. Industry respondents expressed more reservations, however, and a number of suggestions were received for ways to refine the approach as we develop the draft plan.

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We are considering several ways to further refine the areas of search and ensure delivery of the restoration priorities which may include spatial masterplanning, concept planning, or 'corridor plans' in order to better convey the restoration-led approach. This approach will be informed by the responses received, and we plan to explore these options further with the members of the Green Infrastructure Partnership working group which has helped inform the development of the Green Infrastructure aspect of the Minerals Local Plan to date. Several respondents suggested that further clarity is needed about how restoration priorities should be balanced or prioritised if more than one issue is identified for a particular area.

How will we safeguard minerals for the future?

There was general agreement with our proposed approach to safeguarding minerals and mineral infrastructure, but we expect that our approach will be further refined as we develop draft policies.

Next steps

We are planning a series of meetings to address respondents' requests and concerns before beginning to draft policies. Cross-boundary issues, including crushed rock provision, sustainable transport, demand forecasting linked to local development plans and potential AONB impacts all require further cooperation with surrounding authorities. A number of respondents have also offered their expertise and access to their data to help us to fill gaps in our knowledge, particularly around the Mercia Mudstone (clay) and building stone resources in the county. We are embarking on a phase of further information gathering to ensure our evidence base is as robust as possible, and to ensure we have fulfilled our duty to cooperate as we begin to prepare the draft wording for the next consultation.

Online Quiz

2.31. The interactive quiz which was developed for the first stage consultation remained active on our website during the second stage consultation. The quiz asked 'general knowledge' questions about what minerals are used for, how much is needed to build a house, how far minerals are transported, what activities are going on locally and which local recreation facilities were previously mineral workings, with an invitation to provide their contact details if they would like to be involved in participating in future Minerals Local Plan consultations.

Events with Partners

Worcestershire Green Infrastructure Partnership

2.32. A presentation about the consultation was made at the Worcestershire Green Infrastructure Partnership meeting on 29

th January 2014, highlighting the role of

Green Infrastructure in the emerging Minerals Local Plan. Although the meeting was close to the end of the consultation period, partner organisations were encouraged to make individual responses as soon as possible.

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1000 years of building with stone

2.33. An Officer attended a meeting of the Steering Group for the project on 21st

November 2013, explained the Second Stage Consultation and discussed the part the project could contribute to the Plan and how, it, in return could enable demand for building stone to be met.

2.34. On 13th March 2014 an Officer met volunteers for the project, explained the

Minerals Local Plan and the council's support for the 1,000 years project and how the project would be used within it.

2.35. A brief update on the responses to the Second Stage Consultation on the Plan and reference to the continued commitment to encouraging building stone development in the county was reported to a further meeting of the Steering Group on 13th June 2014.

West Midlands Regional Technical Advisory Body for waste (RTAB) 24/01/14

2.36. The Minerals Local Plan and Second Stage Consultation were explained to the RTAB. Relevant Waste Core Strategy policies and the need for "urban quarries" and the free movement of Construction and Demolition waste through the Green Belt were discussed. The need for the Plan to emphasise the value of this waste and to ensure delivery of aggregates from recycled Construction and Demolition waste was stressed. The poor quality of data on this waste stream was agreed.

Worcestershire Planning Officers Group (WPOG) 04/02/2013 and 08/03/2013

2.37. Brief presentations and question and answer sessions about the MLP were made at the WPOG meeting of Development Management Officers on 4

th

February 2013 and the WPOG meeting of Policy Officers on 8th March 2013;

discussions focussed on restoration considerations and the wider implications of and links between mineral and housing development. .

Consultation on relevant appraisals and assessments

Sustainability Appraisal (SA)

2.38. An Initial Sustainability Appraisal was prepared by the Council and was published for consultation alongside the Minerals Local Plan Second Stage Consultation. This exceeds the six week minimum period which is required for consultation on the Sustainability Appraisal. It was publicised through all direct mail correspondence, the public notices and the minerals pages in the council's website.

2.39. The three statutory consultees for Sustainability Appraisal were also informed specifically. These bodies are Natural England, Environment Agency and English Heritage.

2.40. Comments were received from two of the three statutory consultees: Natural

England and English Heritage. No specific comments were received from the Environment Agency on the SA itself but related issues were referred to in the Agency's response to the Consultation as a whole..

2.41. Natural England were supportive of the initial SA and did not give any detailed

comments for inclusion or further consideration. English Heritage were broadly supportive and highlighted some issues for continued or further inclusion, such

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as suggesting the inclusion of specific objectives and monitoring indicators for the historic environment within the SA.

2.42. A further response was received from a member of the public, stating that the

consultation was "too complex to comment on properly".

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)

2.43. A Habitats Regulations Assessment Scoping Report was prepared by the Council and was published for consultation alongside the Minerals Local Plan Second Stage Consultation. It was publicised through all direct mail correspondence, the public notices and the minerals pages in the council's website.

2.44. The statutory consultee for Habitats Regulations Assessment was also informed specifically. This body is Natural England.

2.45. Comments were received from Natural England. Natural England was

supportive of the approach taken to the HRA, and gave further information about Natural England's project to make finalised Conservation Objectives for all European sites available online. They suggested that soil compaction should be recognised as an environmental impact which could occur as a result of the extraction of any materials. They advised that requirements for project-stage HRA highlighted in the Scoping Report should be written into the Minerals Local Plan.



Equality Impact Assessment

2.47. An Equalities Impact Assessment desktop screening was prepared by the Council and was first published for consultation alongside the Minerals Local Plan First Stage Consultation. This was not revised for the Second Stage Consultation but remained available for comment.

2.48. No comments were received.

Consultation on the evidence base

2.49. It is essential that the Minerals Local Plan is based on robust evidence. To

develop this evidence base a suite of background documents will be developed to support and inform the emerging policy framework.

2.50. The background documents which were available for comment alongside the

Second Stage consultation were: What minerals are found in Worcestershire?

Background Document: Analysis of Mineral Resources in Worcestershire – which sets out the methodology for analysing the available information about the mineral resources which are present in the county in order to evaluate the likelihood of them being suitable and commercially attractive for exploitation during the lifetime of the plan.

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Background Document: Coal in Worcestershire

Background Document: Salt and Brine in Worcestershire

Background Document: Clay in Worcestershire

Background Document: Building Stone in Worcestershire How much of each mineral do we need to make provision for?

The Local Aggregates Assessment for Worcestershire – June 2013

The Draft Local Aggregates Assessment for Worcestershire – October 2012

Background Document: Ensuring adequate and steady supply of industrial and energy minerals

What are the other local issues?

Background Document: Contributing towards Worcestershire's priorities -which sets out how the minerals local plan could contribute towards the Council's corporate priorities and the priorities of the Sustainable Community Strategy.

Background Document: Minerals and Climate Change – which considers the contribution that the Minerals Local Plan could play to reducing Worcestershire’s climate change emissions and planning for and adapting to climate change.

Background Document: The Malvern Hills Acts - which sets out the unique legislative framework regarding mineral working in the Malvern Hills.

Profile documents for Environmental Character Areas – these detail the mineral and environmental context in the Environmental Character Areas which form the basis for the Worcestershire Green Infrastructure Framework. There are 30 Environmental Character Areas.

2.51. No comments were received on any of the background documents specifically,

although some responses to the main consultation referred to the Local Aggregates Assessment and the Analysis of Mineral Resources.

2.52. The background documents will be reviewed as necessary and further background documents will be produced during the development of the Minerals Local Plan.

Summary of activities under the duty to cooperate

2.53. A more detailed summary of the discussions held with each of the bodies we

have a duty to cooperate with is set out in the Annual Monitoring Report.

2.54. Following the close of the First Stage Consultation in January 2013, the following activities have been undertaken:

Body Method of engagement Outcomes

Worcestershire Local Authorities

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Planning Policy Officers Group Presentation and discussion

Awareness raised, broad issues of mutual interest identified, particularly with regard to the contribution mineral workings could make to recreation sites

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on 8th March 2013. being proposed in district wide

Local Plans. Informal links established.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Development Management Officers Group Presentation and discussion on 4

th February 2013.

Awareness raised and broad issues of mutual interest raised, particularly with regard to liaison procedures over possible future mineral and housing development sites. Informal links established.

Bromsgrove District Council: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

No response received to Second Stage Consultation. Officers attended the open day held in Bromsgrove and subsequently asked for clarification of whether there were any minerals issues for any of the proposed development sites. WCC officers compared each site with known mineral resources and provided a commentary on each of the proposed development sites (10

th December 2013). This

identified one site which would require further assessment and advised on what the assessment should address.

Informally consulted on Water Transport Paper, Winter 2014.

No response received.

Redditch Borough Council: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

No response received to Second Stage Consultation.


Response received noting that there are no commercial or cruising waterways within Redditch Borough's boundary.

Wyre Forest District Council: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

Response received to Second Stage Consultation, supporting the restoration-led approach and close links with Green Infrastructure, and highlighting the District Council's Green

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Infrastructure Study and Strategy as an information source. WFDC supported the vision, objectives and strategic restoration priorities. It supported the approach to identifying areas of search and safeguarding minerals.



South Worcestershire Authorities: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

Response received to Second Stage Consultation. South Worcestershire made many comments, broadly focused on:

The need for policy criteria

Adequate and steady supply of minerals, impact of housing numbers on demand, phasing of working and delivery milestones, concern at lower target after 2016

Preference for identifying specific sites or preferred areas

Appropriateness of protecting and enhancing Worcestershire's key economic sectors

Need for references to sustainable transport and community engagement in the vision

Maximising use of secondary and recycled materials, acknowledging imports and exports and comprehensive working of permitted reserves

The need for high environmental standards throughout site life

Transport, traffic impacts and the use of sustainable modes of transport

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Methodology for identifying areas of search,

Desire to input into restoration priorities and profiles

Implications of mineral overlap with South Worcestershire site allocations for housing or employment land

Potential impact on Malvern Hills, AONBs, Abberley Hills, Green Belt, landscape character

Appropriateness of "restoration-led" approach

Need for more information on safeguarding resources and infrastructure assets.



Surrounding Minerals Planning Authorities

Shropshire: Meeting held 11

th March 2013

– discussed proposed approaches by both counties to plan making, green infrastructure and environmental networks, Local Aggregates Assessments, building stone and waste.

No issues of conflict identified. Agreed to continue discussions as approaches develop, but no areas of concern or conflict at present. Agreed both counties are proposing appropriate levels of production. The only significant possible issue of cross-border supply is that Shropshire's high-quality roadstone may be supplying part of Worcestershire's need but this reflects normal workings of the market due to the special nature of the material.

Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.




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Herefordshire: April/May 2013 – Email discussion regarding the two counties' crushed-rock sales data which have been merged for many years, making it difficult to establish an average of past 10 years sales in the Local Aggregates Assessment.

Discussion regarding the methodology led to agreement to maintain the RAWP "apportionment" to 2016, followed by average of past 10-years sales on the assumption that 2/3 of crushed rock has been produced by Herefordshire and 1/3 by Worcestershire.

June 2013 – email exchange regarding mineral development in the Malvern Hills and Herefordshire's Core Strategy policies M3 and M4.

Discussion of wording and sharing data regarding the legislative context of the Malvern Hills led to minor amendments to policy wording and agreement that no conflict is anticipated between the emerging Worcestershire Minerals Local Plan and Herefordshire's emerging Core Strategy over mineral development in the Malvern Hills or the emerging plans and minerals issues generally.

17th July 2013 – meeting with

an update on the status of Minerals Planning Policy preparation in both counties, status and principles of Local Aggregate Assessments, discussion of any complementary or conflicting issues or matters of concern, data availability and sharing.

Agreed that there are no conflicts or matters of concern between the councils' timetables or approaches, and that both counties would proceed on the basis of supplying the WMRAWP sub-regional apportionment up to 2016 followed by average of past 10-years sales. Agreed that WCC intends to plan for supplying its share of both sand and gravel and crushed rock, but reliant on industry to make applications. WCC does not seek to rely on other counties contributions to meet its LAA requirements, but if the market were to look to quarries in Herefordshire to meet some of this need, Herefordshire Council agrees that its landbanks and productive capacity are capable of supplying some of those

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needs without difficulty and it would not object to this. Agreed that WMRAWP's AMR is the best source of data. For crushed rock, agreed to maintain the principle that 2/3 crushed rock production from Herefordshire and 1/3 from Worcestershire as a realistic way to aim for future supply. In the long term, 10 years supply average will become meaningful and usable. Agreed that there were no conflicts between the 2 counties' approaches to the LAA. Agreed that future meetings would be useful to ensure compatibility between approaches and the use of data.





Warwickshire: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation. Informal discussions between officers about the content and progress of both counties' Plans were held at the WMRTAB meetings.




Gloucestershire: February 2013 – email exchange confirming sites in

WCC confirmed the sites shown were correct and that there were

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Worcestershire to appear in maps in Gloucestershire's Minerals Local Plan.

no longer any operational quarries producing crushed rock or building stone in Worcestershire.

17th June 2013 – see "Joint

meeting" section below.

See below


Response received to Second Stage Consultation. Gloucestershire suggested that preferred areas or specific sites may be required to provide certainty to both industry and communities, demonstrate deliverability and avoid putting pressure on neighbouring authorities. Gloucestershire highlighted that potential development near to the county boundary could have cross-boundary implications which need to be considered at the next stage of plan preparation.


Gloucestershire replied stating that they had no specific comments, but referred us to their Transport Evidence Paper background document.

Staffordshire: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation. Informal discussions between officers about the content and progress of both counties' Plans were held at the POS Mineral and Waste Learning Project Meetings and WMRTAB meetings.




West Midlands conurbation

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"county" as Mineral Planning Authorities: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

No response received to Second Stage Consultation from any of the West Midlands Unitary Authorities.



Joint meeting: 17

th June 2013 – Hosted by

Worcestershire County Council and attended by:

Gloucestershire County Council (and South West RAWP representative),

Warwickshire County Council, and

Herefordshire Council Discussion of: status of MLP in each county (mineral types, timetable, broad principles, matters of mutual interest); status of Local Aggregate Assessment preparation and principles; any complementary or conflicting issues, matters of concern, and cross boundary initiatives; data sharing; working together effectively.

General discussion of these issues did not result in any specific actions. Agreed that ongoing dialogue is necessary.

West Midlands Resource Technical Advisory Body: A brief presentation was given to and discussion held with the WMRTAB meeting on 24

th January 2014.

Informal confirmation and re-assertion of RTAB support for earlier regional policy stance that C and D recycling made an important contribution to aggregate supply and that such facilities were appropriate in both urban and Green Belt locations.

West Midlands Aggregate Working Party: 18

th October 2013 - Meeting

of "West Midlands" Planning Authority officer

Noted WCC's close working relationship with Herefordshire but separate LAAs produced.

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representatives at Birmingham City Council Offices. Confirmed role of AWP in giving advice on Local Aggregate Assessment (LAA) production, compliance with guidelines and 'fair share of burdens'. Also discussed potential for establishing non-aggregate minerals group.

Noted that Worcestershire's LAA has gone to Cabinet. Other LAAs in the region may be produced jointly (i.e. Shropshire with Telford & Wrekin, Staffordshire with Stoke on Trent, West Midlands unitary authorities)

Other Aggregate Working Parties: The following Aggregate Working Parties were contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation:

East Midlands AWP

East of England AWP

Greater London Authority AWP

London AWP

North East AWP

North Wales AWP

North West AWP

South East AWP

South Wales AWP

South West AWP

Yorkshire and Humber AWP

Response to Second Stage Consultation received from East of England AWP. Notwithstanding any comments that individual members of the AWP may make on the Plan, the EEAWP does not believe that the content of this Plan will have any significant impact on the AWP area. No response received to Second Stage Consultation from other AWPs.

Other authorities Surrounding Authorities: All surrounding Local Planning Authorities were contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

Response to Second Stage Consultation received from Tewkesbury Borough Council. Their comments focused on cross-boundary impacts from mineral working, such as flooding and surface water management, landscape impact, biodiversity and transport, and the need to make appropriate provision throughout the plan period to prevent undue pressure on surrounding authorities. They also highlighted potential demand from development in

22

Gloucestershire. No response received to Second Stage Consultation from other surrounding Local Planning Authorities.

All surrounding Local Planning Authorities were informally consulted on the Water Transport Paper in Winter 2014.

No responses received.

The Planning Officers Society Mineral and Waste Learning Project (4 meetings p.a.): The content and progress of members' Mineral Plans is formally discussed at every meeting.

Bedfordshire Authorities (Central Bedfordshire, Bedford & Luton Boroughs),

Bradford, Derbyshire/Derby,

East Sussex/Brighton & Hove,

Essex,

Hampshire,

Hertfordshire,

Lincolnshire,

Northamptonshire,

Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire,

Staffordshire,

Surrey,

West Berkshire,

West Sussex/South Downs NPA

Potential matters of mutual interest and concern are discussed at every meeting.

The Environment Agency

Member of the Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group (see below)

See below.


Response received to Second Stage Consultation. The Environment Agency supported the draft spatial portrait, suggesting greater reference to

23

the Water Framework Directive and Flood Risk betterment, and supported the vision as being progressive and positively worded. They also supported the draft objectives, but suggested that explicit reference to 'Flood Risk' and 'betterment opportunities' would highlight their importance. Similarly, they supported the proposed policy issues, suggesting that future policy wording should commit to 'betterment opportunities'. They also highlighted that the 'sequential test' would need consideration and guidance in emerging policy, but that a balance will be needed between locating workings in low flood risk areas and providing opportunities for meaningful flood alleviation. They supported the progressive approach to assigning restoration priorities to areas of search, but suggested flexibility would be needed to take account of site-level conditions which may not align with strategic priorities.



English Heritage Member of the Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group (see below)

See below.


Response received to Second Stage Consultation. English Heritage welcomed references to background data. They noted that traditional building and roofing stone is fundamental to maintaining built heritage. They welcomed references to the historic environment throughout and particularly the specific objective, but suggested that a reference could be included within the vision. They

24

highlighted that clarity will be needed to show how appropriate areas/sites have been identified ensuring the protection, conservation and enhancement of the historic environment. They welcomed the opportunity to work with us to ensure a positive legacy for the historic environment as a result of minerals development and restoration, and encouraged consideration of the historic environment as an overarching restoration principle. They also commented fully on the Sustainability Appraisal.


No response received

Natural England Member of the Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group (see below)

See below.


Response received to Second Stage Consultation. Natural England supported the section on the Environment in the Portrait of Worcestershire, particularly the inclusion of green infrastructure, and welcomed the environmental aspects of the draft vision and draft Objective 6. Natural England particularly supported the inclusion of policy criteria on the natural and historic environment, but suggested that Green Infrastructure and soils could also be included. They fully supported the GI-led approach to restoration. They also commented fully on the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment.


Natural England responded to say that "As a general principle the use of any waterways for

25

transporting minerals should ensure protection and enhancement of the environment".

The Mayor of London

Did not respond to the "Get involved in Planning" leaflet. No issues have been identified which require co-operation with the Mayor of London, therefore not consulted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

N/A

Civil Aviation Authority


Responded to Second Stage Consultation setting out CAA's areas of interest. No issues of conflict identified.

The Homes and Communities Agency

No issues have been identified which require co-operation with the Homes and Communities Agency. However, added to "blue group" and contacted by direct mail for Second Stage Consultation.


Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs)

The Primary Care Trusts have been disbanded and new Clinical Commissioning Groups set up. These are:

South Worcestershire CCG

Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG

Wyre Forest CCG

New single point of contact established to act as conduit for all liaison over health matters.

National Health Service Commissioning Board

See above See above

Office of Rail Regulation



Transport for London No issues have been identified which require co-operation with Transport for London. Not consulted.

N/A

Integrated Transport Authority: Centro

Added to "blue group" for Second Stage Consultation and contacted by direct mail.


Highways Agency Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

Responded to Second Stage Consultation highlighting the Highways Agency's

26

responsibilities in Worcestershire, requesting to be consulted as policies are developed to ensure adequate consideration is given to impacts on the Strategic Road Network.

WCC Highway Authority

WCC Highways were not sent the Second Stage Consultation in error. Subsequent discussion led to an individual contact being identified and the consultation material was forwarded on 12

th June 2014 for comment.

No response received at time of publication.

Informally consulted on the Water Transport Paper in Winter 2014.


The Marine Management Organisation

No issues identified which require co-operation with the Marine Management Organisation. Following the "Get Involved in Planning" questionnaire, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) requested not to be consulted, stating that "the remit of the MMO’s work reaches up to the mean high water springs mark along the coast and within any stretches of tidal river. Our maps indicate that there are no rivers within Worcestershire that are under tidal influence and as such this area is outside of the MMO’s remit. We therefore do not feel it necessary to be consulted on any of the areas covered by the questionnaire." On 12

th December 2013 we

wrote again to the MMO, highlighting the Duty to Cooperate and setting out that although we do not anticipate the plan affecting marine and tidal issues, there

Response received to consultation, recommending reference to marine aggregates be included within the Plan and highlighting information sources.

27

may be areas of interest for the MMO such as imports from marine dredged sand and gravel or aspects of our Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership





Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership





Worcestershire Local Nature Partnership

The Worcestershire Partnership was remodelled into a wider range of groups during this time. One of the most relevant to the MLP is the newly formed Local Nature Partnership. Contacted via LNP secretary (listed as one of the Worcestershire County Council contacts in Appendix C) regarding Second Stage Consultation.

No response received to Second Stage Consultation from LNP itself, although many of its members are represented in the Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group (see below).

Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group

2.55. A steering group was established to assist with embedding the Green

Infrastructure approach in the Minerals Local Plan. The group consists of:

English Heritage

Environment Agency

Forestry Commission

Natural England

Nature After Minerals/RSPB

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Worcestershire County Council: o Strategic Planning & Environmental Policy o Ecology o Landscape o Development Management o Water/flooding

28

o Countryside Access & Recreation o Historic Environment

Not all participants have been able to attend all meetings, but all have been included on email circulations with agendas, minutes and draft documents for comment.

2.56. A number of meetings were held between the First Stage and Second Stage

consultations to develop the Green Infrastructure approach: Meeting of 30th January 2013:

Exploratory meeting to discuss the pros, cons and practicalities of using GI principles and restoration potential to drive the development of the Minerals Local Plan. The group supported taking an innovative GI approach to minerals.

Meeting of 10th April 2013:

Group members had contributed information to inform "Environmental Character Area Profiles". Officers had also been developing Areas of Search, and were using the issues and priorities from the Environmental Character Area profiles to establish the strategic priorities for each Area of Search.

Two mock-examples were presented to the group to critique. An early draft of the vision and objectives was given to the group alongside a table setting out considerations under each objective showing which were likely to be addressed through policy criteria and which might be strategic priorities for areas of search. These were then looked at as a "primary", "secondary" or "tertiary" priorities (working terms) for each of the areas. The group helped make amendments to the strategic priority groupings and suggested ways in which priority levels could be established.

The group agreed that a habitat approach would be better than a species approach, and that landscape changes need to either be consistent with existing landscape character or be wholly different, not piece-meal degradation.

Officers were to commence work on developing the areas of search and profiles. The group asked to be sent drafts and to meet to discuss and refine them in batches, preferably covering diverse areas of search in the first batch to try and iron out most of the major issues up front.

Meeting of 28th May 2013 and 11th June 2013:

A method statement setting out how strategic priorities, secondary priorities and tertiary priorities had been derived and a method for applying these to the Areas of Search were provided for group discussion:

o Each aspect was discussed and the group made suggestions for refining the methods or the data used.

Draft examples of Area of Search profiles were provided for group discussion:

o The group agreed that the level of detail was appropriate. o The group discussed the interplay of the priorities, whether it was

appropriate if the method resulted in some areas having lots of primary priorities, whether there was potential for conflict between

29

priorities, whether minerals sites could deliver the priorities, and the need to bring out important issues in each Area of Search.

o Further discussion looking at the examples raised points which needed to be refined in the method or data used, as well as individual points of interest for individual areas of search.

The group agreed that a sub-group would meet to discuss landscape and heritage issues and methodology and report back.

The group agreed that minerals officers would liaise with water interests to finalise methodology for water aspects.

The group agreed that WCC's Environmental Policy team would consider the biodiversity aspect to finalise the methodology.

The group agreed that WCC Minerals officers would pick up on the advice from these subgroups and consult the whole group on final methodology and worked examples through email and file sharing.

Discussion with Minerals Industry

Cemex and Tarmac

2.57. A meeting was held on 16th July 2013 with representatives from Cemex and

Tarmac. This gave a brief introduction to the Minerals Local Plan, the minerals covered, timetable and next consultation stage, and broad principles.

2.58. Discussions looked at:

the nature of and any likely changes to the minerals industry which could affect Worcestershire;

the nature of and likely changes at mineral site level, such as minimum size of workings, new production methods, plant, campaign working and water transport;

what Worcestershire-specific issues should be addressed in the Minerals Local Plan;

what other issues should be taken into account from other Mineral Planning Authorities;

issues which should be addressed regarding sand and gravel, crushed rock and other minerals;

any complementary or conflicting issues, matters of concern and cross boundary issues to be aware of;

data availability and sharing;

ways to work together effectively and appropriately; and

competition commission investigations.

2.59. Outcomes and actions included agreement to discuss:

possible pre-application proposals with the Development Management section and operator's agents in parallel with the Plan process,

The proposed emphasis on a restoration led approach further, if necessary, following the next consultation,

specific matters raised by individual companies individually if requested,

matters of concern to minerals operators as a group at a specific seminar.

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Tarmac

2.60. A meeting was held on 7th February 2014 between Worcestershire County

Council's Minerals and Waste Policy team, Development Management team and PleydellSmithyman Ltd (representing Tarmac). This meeting looked at the relationship between the emerging Minerals Local Plan and future site development at Clifton Gravel Pit.


Tarmac's existing operations in Worcestershire, likely lifetime left at those sites and plans for future extraction;

Site investigations already undertaken and likely to be required;

Ground water, particularly relating to a nearby SSSI and private water supplies;

Access arrangements, amenity and restoration issues;

Potential for restoration of the Clifton site for recreation purposes;

Likely timescale of an application in relation to submission or adoption of the Minerals Local Plan.

Salop Sand and Gravel

2.62. A meeting was arranged with Salop Sand and Gravel including a site visit at Chadwich Lane Pit for 18

th September 2013. The agenda for this meeting was

the same as for the meeting with Cemex and Tarmac.

2.63. Worcestershire County Council officers attended the meeting, but representatives from Salop Sand and Gravel did not arrive and the meeting was not held.

2.64. A meeting was held at Worcestershire County Council's offices on 7

th February

2014 between Worcestershire County Council's Minerals and Waste Policy team, Development Management team, Mr Parton of Salop Sand and Gravel and PleydellSmithyman Ltd (Salop Sand and Gravel's agent). This meeting looked at the relationship between Mr Parton's operations and potential future plans, the requirement for restoration plans and restrictions to infilling as a restoration option in the future.

Coal Authority and CoalPro

2.65. A meeting was held on 13th August 2013 with representatives from the Coal

Authority and CoalPro. This gave a brief introduction to the Minerals Local Plan, the minerals covered, timetable and next consultation stage, and broad principles.






31

issues which should be addressed regarding coal;

issues which should be addressed regarding other minerals associated with coal;


data availability;



2.67. Outcomes and actions included:

Only surface working of coal is conceivable in Worcestershire at present. Alternative hydrocarbon extraction techniques are theoretically possible but likely to be unviable;

Although some coal strata are geologically present, at best the deposits are very thin, in practice all commercial surface deposits may have already been worked out, meaning that there is no coal resource for future extraction in the county;

Coal hazards however are important and have been mapped in Worcestershire. The areas affected should be "safeguarded" to ensure that the ground conditions can be assessed and any remedial action undertaken before other development is permitted;

Policies should be included to enable coal and related minerals to be developed if applications come forward, subject to the provisos in the NPPF.

32

2.68. Appendix A provides a summary of the requirements which relate to consultation requirements and cooperation with other bodies.

2.69. This is a working document that will be updated as the Minerals Local Plan is

developed. The final consultation statement will be submitted to the Secretary of State alongside the Minerals Local Plan and will present the information required under section 22(1)c of The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

33

3. First Stage Consultation 3.1. The first formal stage of consultation on the Minerals Local Plan began on 9

th

October 2012 and ran until 11th January 2013.

3.2. This consultation had two main objectives:

to raise the profile of the Minerals Local Plan and build the mailing list for future rounds of consultation; and

to help in establishing an understanding of the issues and local context.

3.3. A variety of consultation and engagement methods were therefore used to meet these different objectives:

Consultation leaflet and questionnaire;

Open morning drop-in session;

Stakeholder workshop; and




3.4. All relevant documents were included in a dedicated section on the Council's website with the shortlink www.worcestershire.gov.uk/minerals. This link was included in all public notices, press releases, social media posts, letters and emails.

3.5. The consultation was also listed on the Council's "consultation portal" and was publicised on the residents homepage.


Bromsgrove Advertiser (17th October 2012)

Evesham Journal (18th October 2012)

Kidderminster Shuttle (18th October 2012)

Kidderminster Times (18th October 2012)

Ludlow Advertiser (18th October 2012)

Malvern Gazette (19th October 2012)

Redditch Advertiser (17th

October 2012)

Stourbridge News (18th October 2012)

Worcester News (18th October 2012)

Press releases 3.7. Press releases were sent to all County newspapers and radio stations at the

beginning of the consultation and before the open morning, however none chose to run the story.

Direct mail

3.8. An email including details of the consultation leaflet, questionnaire, open morning, workshop and quiz was sent to all contacts on the Council's Minerals

http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/minerals

34

Planning Database who had opted to be contacted by email. All other contacts on the database were sent a copy of the consultation leaflet and questionnaire by post.

3.9. The database was developed by contacting all parties registered on the consultation database for the Statement of Community Involvement and Waste Core Strategy and asking whether they would like to be involved in consultation on the Minerals Local Plan. Of the 1300 people contacted approximately 520 requested to be contacted about the Minerals Local Plan. This was comprised of 301 'Specific Consultees', 86 'General Consultees' and 126 other interested parties. A full list of consultees is set out in Appendix B.

3.10. In addition, a total of 137 organisations that the council considered could have a

particular interest in the plan were sent a copy of the "Get involved in Planning" leaflet and sent a reminder letter on 23

rd October 2012.

3.11. This database will be developed during the preparation of the Minerals Local

Plan and anyone who expresses an interest will be invited to join. The online quiz was intended as a tool to help to increase the number of interested parties registered on the database.

Social Media

3.12. Facebook: A link to the consultation webpage and quiz were posted on the "Worcestershire" facebook page on 29

th October 2012. At this time the page had

approximately 280 followers and was being 'talked about' by 14 people. The link to the minerals webpage itself received 3 'likes'.

3.13. Twitter A link to the consultation webpage and quiz were posted on the

Council's "WorcCC" Twitter feed on 22nd

October with an additional tweet on 9th

November to publicise the open-morning. The Council had approximately 3,200 followers at this time.

Methods used

Consultation Leaflet

3.14. The primary method of consultation at this stage was a short booklet that gave a brief introduction to what minerals are and why we need them, why people should get involved and what the Minerals Local Plan will aim to achieve. It also gave some local context outlining the minerals found in Worcestershire and likely levels of future provision. The consultation leaflet included seven questions, some of which were technical in nature and others which were more general. The questionnaire could be completed online or returned to our dedicated email address or freepost mailing address.

3.15. 37 responses were received through this method and covered the following

main issues:

Information on mineral resources including additional locations, the quality and quantity of resources, economically viability including site size and minimum amounts of material

New techniques, technology or changes in the economy could affect economic viability, particularly for coal resources

http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/Minerals%20consultation%20leaflet%20PDF%20for%20web.pdf

35

Potential for the use of recycled aggregates

The amount of minerals to be provided

Issues that should be considered, including: o Amenity impacts; o Traffic and sustainable transport; o National and local economic benefits; o Green Infrastructure; o The potential for multifunctional benefits from site restoration; o Biodiversity gain and protection of designated nature conservation

sites; o Geological conservation; o Historic environment; o Landscape; o Ecosystem services; o Wetland restoration; o High quality agricultural land; o Nature Improvement Areas; o Climate change; o Protecting the Abberley Hills; o Water issues, including groundwater and other water resources,

flood risk and flood storage, the Water Framework Directive; o Waste re-use and landfill; o Public access networks, informal recreation, The Severn Way; o Building stone; o The National Planning Policy Framework; o Parish and Neighbourhood Plans; o The "sieve test" and constraints; o Green Belt; o Restoration, aftercare and long-term management

Information sources relating to: o The National Planning Policy Framework, o Malvern Hills Acts, o best practice Minerals Local Plans, o other Local and Parish Plans, o AONB management plans, o England Biodiversity Strategy and local Biodiversity Action Plans, o River Severn Basin Management Plan, o Nature After Minerals, o Geological records and geodiversity action plan, o Green Infrastructure, o the Strategic Stone Study Database, o Archaeology, o Tame Valley river restoration, o Rowney Green Bog Special Wildlife Site

3.16. The consultation responses are recorded in full in the Response Document

"Feedback on First Stage Consultation" (April 2013) along with the Council's initial response to these comments.

Open Morning

3.17. Officers held an open morning at Worcester Woods Country Park from 9.30-12.00 on Saturday 10

th November so that members of the public, Parish

36

Councils and other interested parties could ask any questions and raise any issue that they thought should be considered in the development of the Minerals Local Plan. There was no need to book places at this event.

3.18. The event was publicised in the consultation leaflet and in all publicity on the consultation in general. Specific links were also put on the Council's twitter feed and front page of the Council's website in the week before the event to raise awareness. A press-release was published but no publications chose to carry the story.

3.19. The open-morning was attended by members of the Earth Heritage Trust, Worcestershire CPRE, Upton upon Severn Town Council, Ripple Parish Council, Hanley Castle Parish Council, Wolverley Parish Council, Longdon Parish Council and the Upton Partnership and four members of the general public. Some of the attendees were part of more than one of these organisations. 30 copies of the consultation leaflet were also distributed to members of the public attending the Countryside Centre activity morning and cafe. Four people registered on the consultation database and two registered to attend the workshop sessions.

3.20. The issues raised at this event have been recorded in the Response Document

"Feedback on First Stage Consultation" (April 2013) alongside the other comments made on the consultation. The main issues raised related to:

the restoration of sites including concerns that the use of the word 'restoration' could be misleading and support for the potential for working and worked quarries to be used for educational purposes;

current and future supply including questions about the current situation and how future provision will be calculated;

a current application for sand and gravel extraction at Holdfast, near Upton on Severn. Several of the issues raised such as the consideration of flooding and impacts on the wider economy including tourism also have relevance as broad concepts to be considered during the development of the plan.

Workshop

3.21. A morning workshop was held 9.30 – 12.00 on Wednesday 21st November

2012. The event was publicised in the consultation leaflet and in all publicity on the consultation in general. Key stakeholders were also contacted directly with telephone invitations to all local authorities in Worcestershire, all adjoining Mineral Planning Authorities, mineral operators which have known interests in the County and the organisations which are statutory consultees for the sustainability appraisal.

3.22. The workshop was chaired by the Council's Minerals and Waste Policy Manager and facilitated by officers from the Planning and Economic Development unit. It was attended by five County Councillors, 3 other council officers and participants from the following organisations:

Local Authorities

Bromsgrove District Council (Councillor and officer)

Herefordshire Council

Malvern Hills District Council

37

Warwickshire County Council

Wyre Forest District Council Town and Parish Councils

Bourneheath Parish Council (2)

Upton Parish Council

Local residents

Mrs Spooner

Mrs Inchbald

Operators

Cemex

Tarmac Other interests

Earth Heritage Trust

English Heritage

Environment Agency

Malvern Hills AONB Partnership

Nature After Minerals

Worcestershire LEP


3.23. The workshop was structured into two sessions:

Spatial Strategy: There was a short presentation about the council's proposed approach, then delegates were split into five groups to discuss a) whether they supported a restoration-led approach and if so what objectives should drive this and b) what other considerations should lead the strategy. A restoration-led approach was broadly supported, but would need to be holistic, flexible and to take into account other factors. Implementation and enforcement were key concerns.

Impacts of mineral workings: The groups were asked to identify their main concerns in relation to mineral workings and to discuss potential ways that they could be addressed through policy. It was clear from the issues identified and discussion taking place that an integrated approach needs to be developed that engages with a variety of stakeholders, regulators and other bodies. This approach would need to take account of a variety of factors including impact on environmental character, flooding issues, hydrology, impacts on tourism and pollution control. The potential for a 'River Severn' plan to deliver such an approach was suggested. Other issues discussed included the merits of traditional building stone and the need to consider landfill carefully.

38

3.24. The feedback from this event was positive, with stakeholders from a variety of different groups saying that they were satisfied with the discussion. There was some concern that industry and residents should not be asked to discuss these things together, however the majority of attendees felt that meeting different interests was useful. Following the event one delegate also tweeted about his attendance, further raising the profile of the Minerals Local Plan.

3.25. The issues raised at this event have been recorded in the Response Document "Feedback on First Stage Consultation" (April 2013) alongside the other comments made during the consultation.

Online Quiz

3.26. To raise awareness of mineral planning in the County a short online quiz was developed. The quiz asked 'general knowledge' questions about what minerals are used for, how much is needed to build a house, how far minerals are transported, what activities are going on locally and which local recreation facilities were previously mineral workings, with an invitation to provide their contact details if they would like to be involved in participating in future Minerals Local Plan consultations. At least 9 people undertook this quiz

1 and 2 requested

to be involved in future consultations.


Worcestershire Partnership Environment Group (WPEG) 2

3.27. A presentation about the MLP consultations was made at the WPEG meeting on 5

th December 2012. The group suggested that the principles of Green

Infrastructure (GI) that are being developed through the sub-regional GI Strategy should be integrated into the Minerals Local Plan. Partner organisations were encouraged to make individual responses if appropriate.

Worcestershire Planning Officers Group (WPOG)

3.28. A brief presentation about the MLP consultations was made at the WPOG meeting of Development Management Officers on 4

th February 2013 and the

WPOG meeting of Policy Officers on 8th March 2013.

Worcestershire Parish Conference: Autumn 2012

3.29. Officers had a stand at the exhibition before the 8th Worcestershire Parish

Conference which ran 6-9pm 31st October 2012. All Parish Councils in

Worcestershire were invited to attend this event. About 20 people showed interest in the Minerals Local Plan either asking questions or taking copies of the consultation leaflet.

1 This is the number of people who clicked "submit" after taking the quiz. There was no requirement

to do this unless participants wished to join the consultation database, so it is possible that more people took the quiz but are not recorded. 2 This group consists of representatives from all Local Authorities and Local Strategic Partnerships in

Worcestershire, Hereford and Worcester Chamber of Commerce, The Duckworth Trust, Earth Heritage Trust, Act on Energy, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, Worcestershire Friends of the Earth Network, British Waterways, English Heritage, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Natural England, Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, University of Worcester, Worcester College of Technology, Country Land and Business Association, Worcestershire Biodiversity Partnership, Worcestershire Pollution Group.

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Other activities

'Have your say' Roadshows

3.30. Worcestershire County Councillors and senior officers held a set of roadshows to give residents a chance to help shape future delivery of council services. The specific themes were localism and roads, but officers were also briefed on other issues including the Minerals Local Plan consultation so that they could inform anyone they thought may be interested. The roadshows were held in Bromsgrove, Worcester, Malvern, Wyre Forest, Redditch and Pershore town centres between 9

th and 30

th November 2012.


Sustainability Appraisal

3.31. A Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report was prepared by the Council and was published for consultation alongside the Minerals Local Plan First Stage Consultation. This exceeds the five week minimum period which is required for consultation on the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report. It was publicised through all direct mail correspondence, the public notices and the minerals pages in the council's website.

3.32. The three statutory consultees for Sustainability Appraisal were also informed specifically about the Scoping Report. These bodies are Natural England, Environment Agency and English Heritage.

3.33. Comments were received from each of the three statutory consultees. They

provided constructive feedback on how the proposed approach could better reflect sustainability issues. This included signposting to additional plans, policies and programmes which should be reviewed, and suggesting amendments and additions to the proposed SA framework to allow a more nuanced consideration of particular issues which might otherwise have been lost within too broad an analysis.


3.34. An Equalities Impact Assessment desktop screening was prepared by the Council and was published for consultation alongside the Minerals Local Plan First Stage Consultation. It was publicised through all direct mail correspondence, the public notices and the minerals pages in the council's website.





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3.37. In summer 2012 background papers were published3 on:

Coal in Worcestershire Consultation document

Salt and Brine in Worcestershire Consultation document

Clay in Worcestershire Consultation document 3.38. They were made available for comment during the consultation period and will

be reviewed as necessary during the development of the Minerals Local Plan. 3.39. The following background documents were prepared by officers and were also

made available for comment during the consultation period:

The Draft Local Aggregates Assessment for Worcestershire

Ensuring adequate and steady supply of industrial and energy minerals

Background Document: Contributing towards Worcestershire's priorities which sets out how the minerals local plan could contribute towards the Council's corporate priorities and the priorities of the Sustainable Community Strategy.

Background Document: The Malvern Hills Acts which looks at the unique legislative framework regarding mineral working in the Malvern Hills.

3.40. Only one comment was received, relating to the use of imperial units in the Salt

and Brine document.




3.42. Leading up to and during the First Stage Consultation in January 2013, the following activities were undertaken:



Herefordshire and Worcestershire Planning Policy Officers Group: A brief presentation about the MLP consultations was made at the meeting of the WPOG Policy Officers on 8

th March 2013.

Awareness raised, arrangements for formal and informal liaison agreed. Discussion focussed on:

the importance of mineral development in enabling the physical construction of new development, and

links to and implementation of the county Green Infrastructure policy.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Development

Discussion focussed on:

opportunities the restoration

3 In summer 2012 Worcestershire County Council welcomed three budding young planners into the

minerals planning team for a fortnight each. The volunteers were each tasked with preparing background evidence on a particular topic for the emerging Minerals Local Plan. The quality of the papers they prepared was such that we have published the reports they prepared for consultation with only minor editing.

http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/2012%2010%2008%20AGG%20Draft%20report%20-%20steady%20and%20adequate%20supply.pdf

http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/2012%2010%2004%20Draft%20report%20-%20INDUSTRIAL%20MIN%20steady%20and%20adequate%20supply.pdf

http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/2012%2010%2008%20Links%20to%20corporate%20priorities.pdf


http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/2012%2008%2023%20Malvern%20Hills.pdf

41

Management Officers Group: A brief presentation about the MLP consultations was made at the meeting of the WPOG Development Management Officers on 4

th February 2013.

of sites offered, and

the likely location of new mineral workings.

Worcestershire Partnership: A brief presentation about the Minerals Local Plan was made at the Worcestershire Partnership Environment Group (WPEG) on 5

th December 2012.

Awareness raised, arrangements for formal and informal liaison agreed. Discussion focussed on:

the environmental (particularly with regard to flood management) and recreational opportunities the restoration of sites offered, and

links to and implementation of the county Green Infrastructure policy.

Bromsgrove District Council: A meeting was held on 21

st

September 2012. A briefing note to introduce the Minerals Local Plan and anticipated timetable was circulated.

Bromsgrove officers agreed to pass invitation to Minerals consultation workshop up to BDC councillors. Bromsgrove officers also supported the idea of an officer steering group approach to drafts of later consultations. Any complementary or conflicting priorities were discussed. Discussion of housing allocation sites and potential cross-over with Mineral Consultation Areas – at first glance didn't appear to be a major conflict, but WCC will comment in detail on request. There are nationally important Silica Sand reserves in Bromsgrove district, but not in problematic areas for BDC future development. Bromsgrove DC did not identify any particular current or anticipated concerns arising from mineral working in their district. Green belt could be a significant

42

issue when considering restoration/afteruse, some post restoration uses can only be permitted by the district council. The potential for joint SPDs restoration could be discussed in the future if appropriate.

Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. An Officer and a Councillor from Bromsgrove District Council attended the First Stage Consultation workshop.

No formal response received to First Stage Consultation.

Redditch Borough Council: A meeting was held on 24

th

September 2012. A briefing note to introduce the Minerals Local Plan and anticipated timetable was circulated.

Redditch officers agreed to pass invitation to Minerals consultation workshop up to RBC councillors. Any complementary or conflicting priorities were discussed. Discussion of Redditch's site allocations and minerals safeguarding noted that minerals assessment has been carried out at Tack Farm, results to be sent to WCC. Prior extraction may be required if it is a workable deposit (following receipt of results, prior extraction will not be required). Noted that the Minerals Local Plan will need a safeguarding policy/protocol, and that BGS report is a good starting point. The MLP will have a spatial strategy with restoration priorities, some after-uses would be determined by RBC – the potential for joint SPDs could be discussed in future if appropriate. Security of supply was discussed and the potential to jointly respond to other MPA consultations could be explored if necessary. WCC suggested that Redditch Local Plan should consider

43

geodiversity alongside nature conservation, and should make reference to the Waste Core Strategy.

Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation.

No response received to First Stage Consultation.

Wyre Forest District Council: A meeting was held on 23

rd

August 2012. A briefing note to introduce the Minerals Local Plan and anticipated timetable was circulated.

Invitation to attend MLP consultation workshops was extended to WFDC officers and members. WFDC supported the idea of an officer steering group approach to drafts at later stages. Any complementary or conflicting priorities were discussed. Flooding and water quality are big issues for Wyre Forest. Development around Stourport in areas with mineral deposits will need to be considered in MLP development and responding to WFDC's development documents. Wyre Forest has a GI strategy which aims to fit GI around development sites, but could be updated once MLP has progressed further if necessary. Prior extraction requirements were discussed, not considered to be a significant issues as most allocated sites are previously developed land. Cross-over with SuDS requirements and the possibility of borrow pits was discussed. Green belt could be a significant issue when considering restoration/after-use and will need careful liaison. WCC supported the listing of all geological sites in Wyre Forest's DPD. The potential for joint SPDs re restoration could be discussed in the future if appropriate. WFDC highlighted a number of

44

their policies and other useful documents. Security of supply was discussed and the potential to jointly respond to other MPA consultations could be explored if necessary. Waste issues were discussed.

Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Officers from Wyre Forest District Council attended the First Stage Consultation workshop.


South Worcestershire Authorities: A meeting was held on 27

th

June 2012 with officers from Wychavon and Worcester City (Malvern Hills sent apologies and would liaise with Worcester City following the meeting). A briefing note to introduce the Minerals Local Plan and anticipated timetable was circulated.

The types of minerals in South Worcestershire were discussed. Any complementary or conflicting priorities were discussed. Restoration options and the potential to tie in to Green Infrastructure were discussed, such as agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and informal recreation. Noted that landfilling would be dependent on geology and is discouraged by the WCS. Noted that Landscape Character Assessment needs to be considered. Discussed the potential for fixed plant with "feeder" sites, depending on economics and transport issues. Some SWDP site allocations could be in mineral safeguarding areas. Districts should be using the existing MLP proposals map until better data is produced. WCC requested details of any concrete batching plant operating under district permissions. Effects on transport network from mineral development particularly need to be considered. SWDP will be a demand factor

45

for the MLP to take into account. Mineral safeguarding and consultation areas was identified as a key area of work. Security of supply was discussed and the potential to jointly respond to other MPA consultations could be explored if necessary. South Worcestershire would support involvement in an officer steering group. Evidence documents were highlighted. Memoranda of Understanding could be produced for specific issues if required.

Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Officers from Malvern Hills District Council attended the First Stage Consultation workshop.

Response received to consultation welcoming the development of the Minerals Local Plan. South Worcestershire recognised the role of the county council as MPA and that minerals form an important part of South Worcestershire's economy. They identified a number of areas that the Minerals Local Plan should address and responded to each of the specific consultation questions.


Shropshire: Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Officers from Shropshire had booked places on the consultation workshop but were unable to attend.


Herefordshire: A meeting was held on 28

th

June 2012. A briefing note to introduce the Minerals Local Plan and anticipated timetable was circulated. Herefordshire's Core Strategy timetable was also discussed.

Agreed that development in Herefordshire could be a demand factor for the MLP to take into account, but not likely to be high as relatively little housing proposed near to Worcestershire. No issues of potentially significant conflict between the two counties with regard to

46

minerals planning have been identified, and joint planning for the provision of waste management facilities in the JMWMS has been successful. Data issues, an overview of the active mineral sites in both counties and the status of the regional apportionment were discussed. The pros and cons of developing a joint evidence base, or shared assumptions and a separate plan were discussed, and it was agreed to share evidence where possible. Agreed that producing a joint plan was not likely to be viable due to timetable and resource issues and differences in structure and priorities of the two councils. Both councils agreed to consider whether any of these options might be viable.

Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Officers from Herefordshire attended the consultation workshop.


Warwickshire: A meeting was held on 16

th

August 2012. A briefing note to introduce the Minerals Local Plan and anticipated timetable was circulated. The meeting was followed by site visits to Mancetter Quarry and Middleton Hall RSPB reserve (former quarry).

Worcestershire noted crushed rock data and provision difficulties and outlined the other mineral types which are important in Worcestershire. Warwickshire previously suspended work on MLP to concentrate on Waste Core Stategy, which is due to be submitted September 2012. Warwickshire gave an overview of their existing sites, landbank levels and sites previously proposed. Safeguarding issues were discussed, and it was noted that there are examples of retaining plant and transporting from satellite sites in both counties. Cross-boundary considerations

47

might include water transport, depending on source and destination, and habitats and landscapes. Agreed that any cross county initiatives will need to be recognised. No complementary or conflicting priorities were identified, agreed to continue "ideas exchange".

Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Officers from Warwickshire attended the consultation workshop.


Gloucestershire: Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Officers from Gloucestershire had booked places on the consultation workshop but were unable to attend.


Staffordshire: Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Officers from Staffordshire had booked places on the consultation workshop but were unable to attend.


West Midlands conurbation "county" as Mineral Planning Authorities: Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation.

No response received to First Stage Consultation from any of the West Midlands conurbation Mineral Planning Authorities.

West Midlands Resource Technical Advisory Body: The consultation and progress on the emerging plan and issues being considered was reported to the WMRTAB members (Warwickshire CC, Shropshire CC, Coventry City Council, Birmingham City Council, Derbyshire CC, Dudley Council, Flintshire Council, Herefordshire

Awareness raised at meeting of 25

th September 2012.

Discussion at meeting of 3

rd

December focussed on:

the importance of recycled Construction and Demolition (C and D) waste to mineral supply,

48

Council, Sandwell Council, Staffordshire County Council, Stoke City Council, Solihull District Council, Telford Council, Walsall Council, Wolverhampton Council, the Environment Agency, National Industrial Symbiosis Programme, Biffa UK, Greenwatt UK, Robert Hopkins Ltd, the East Midlands RTAB, the South Wales RTAB Friends of the Earth) at their meetings of:

25th September 2012 and

3rd

December 2012

the need for "urban quarries" (C and D recycling depots) and

problems of data collection.

West Midlands Aggregate Working Party: There were no meetings of the West Midlands Aggregates Working Party during this period.

N/A

49

Other Aggregate Working Parties: The following Aggregate Working Parties were contacted by direct mail regarding the First Stage Consultation:

East Midlands AWP

East of England AWP

London AWP

North East AWP

North Wales AWP

North West AWP

South East AWP

South Wales AWP

South West AWP

West Midlands AWP


The Convenor of the AWP secretaries and secretaries of

East Midlands AWP

North Wales AWP

North West AWP

South Wales AWP

South West AWP


were all contacted by email and sent a reminder letter on 23

rd

October 2012. Discussions with the POS Mineral and Waste Learning Group suggested that the other AWPs were either not significant with regard to Worcestershire or not operational and unable to reply.

No response received to First Stage Consultation from any of the Aggregate Working Parties.

Other surrounding authorities

All surrounding Local Planning Authorities were contacted by direct mail regarding the First Stage Consultation.

No response received to First Stage Consultation from any of the surrounding authorities.


A meeting was held on 7th

August 2012 as a preliminary informal meeting to air ideas. Several aspects of the Environment Agency's remit were represented at the meeting:

Planning liaison

Water framework

Matters discussed included:

Assessing need, increased recycling and zero carbon context

Biodiversity offsetting

Groundwater recharge

Flexibility for new technologies

Climate change

50

directive

Flood risk management

Biodiversity

Hydrogeology. A brief introduction was given to the Minerals Local Plan.

Temporary land use - opportunity for landscape scale biodiversity gain. Particularly water, wet meadow, wet woodland. Poor quality soil can mean good botany.

Restoration

Benefit of voids

Hydraulic continuity - water protection problems or local water supply issues (wells)

Flood risk, SFRA should lead to application specific FRAs

Impact of bunds on flood storage

Ability for restoration to offer flood storage

Birdstrike/airport issues

Visual impact of voids/lakes

Developer contributions

Restoration management by natural processes

Land ownership

After-use: examples - rock climbing facilities at restored sites can keep people off sensitive faces elsewhere. Water skiing on a new lake will mean little damage, much better than using sensitive existing lakes.

Enhancing degraded rivers (presentation): o Break down barriers

between gravel pits and river

o Low/no cost to minerals companies (income from extra resource)

o Improves fish populations in pits and rivers

o More difficult if the river is navigable, but could still link site

51

and river.

Hydropower and hydrothermal energy schemes

Potential information sources and some examples of good and bad practice were highlighted. EA were willing to take part in stakeholder groups and comment on early consultation drafts. EA highlighted that the MLP should address operational phase and restoration phase, and restoration opportunities need to be built into operational phase.

Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Attended the First Stage Consultation workshop.

Response received to First Stage Consultation. The Environment Agency provided comprehensive comments on groundwater, biodiversity, flood risk issues, the interaction with waste and mineral needs, and commented on the outcome of group discussions at the consultation workshop. They also commented fully on the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report.

English Heritage Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Attended the First Stage Consultation workshop.

Response received to First Stage Consultation. English Heritage commented on each of the aspects covered by the consultation questions, highlighting information on building and roofing stone, welcoming the commitment to addressing the historic environment and highlighting further data sources for policy preparation. They stated their willingness to continue to input into the development of the Plan, its supporting evidence and policy framework. They also commented fully on the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report.

Natural England Contacted by direct mail Response received to First

52

regarding First Stage Consultation.

Stage Consultation. Natural England highlighted Green Infrastructure and Nature Improvement Areas as issues for consideration. They also commented fully on the Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report.

The Mayor of London

Sent a copy of the "Get involved in Planning" leaflet but did not reply. No issues have been identified which require co-operation with the Mayor of London, therefore not consulted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation.

N/A





Sent a copy of the "Get involved in Planning" leaflet but did not reply. No issues have been identified which require co-operation with the Homes and Communities Agency, therefore not consulted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation.

N/A

Primary Care Trusts

Worcestershire and Wyre Forest PCTs and West Midlands Strategic Health Authority were contacted by direct mail and sent a reminder letter asking if they would like to be added to our consultation database on 23

rd October 2012.




No response received to First Stage Consultation from the Office of Rail Regulation. However, Network Rail provided additional consultee details for any proposals to work minerals near the railway.

Transport for London

No issues have been identified which require co-operation with Transport for London, therefore not consulted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation.

N/A


Sent a copy of the "Get involved in Planning" leaflet but did not reply. Were contacted by email

N/A

53

and sent a reminder letter on 23

rd October 2012. Not

consulted on the First Stage Consultation.

Highways Agency Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation.

Response received to First Stage Consultation highlighting the Highways Agency's responsibilities in Worcestershire, requesting to be consulted as policies are developed to ensure adequate consideration is given to impacts on the Strategic Road Network.


Sent a copy of the "Get involved in Planning" leaflet but did not reply. Not sent the First Consultation document.

N/A


No issues identified which require co-operation with the Marine Management Organisation. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) requested not to be consulted, stating that "the remit of the MMO’s work reaches up to the mean high water springs mark along the coast and within any stretches of tidal river. Our maps indicate that there are no rivers within Worcestershire that are under tidal influence and as such this area is outside of the MMO’s remit. We therefore do not feel it necessary to be consulted on any of the areas covered by the [Get Involved in Planning] questionnaire."

N/A


Contacted by direct mail regarding First Stage Consultation. Attended the First Stage Consultation workshop.





54

55

4. Second Stage Consultation 4.1. The second formal stage of consultation on the Minerals Local Plan began on

11th November 2013 and ran until 31

st January 2014.

4.2. This consultation included:


A draft vision and objectives for what the Minerals Local Plan should aim to achieve





Ideas about how mineral workings should be restored, setting out issues to be considered when developing principles for all workings and a proposed approach to identifying key considerations and restoration priorities for each individual 'area of search'

Details of how minerals should be safeguarded for future use including alternative options to consider

4.3. A variety of consultation and engagement methods were therefore used to meet

these different objectives:

Consultation document, summary document and questionnaire;

Open day drop-in sessions;

Stakeholder workshops offered; and




4.4. All relevant documents were included in a dedicated section on the Council's website with the shortlink www.worcestershire.gov.uk/minerals. This link was included in all public notices, press releases, via social media posts, and in letters and emails.

4.5. The consultation was also listed on the Council's "consultation portal" and was publicised in two articles posted to the front-page news section of the Council's website during the consultation.


Bromsgrove and Droitwich Advertiser (13th November 2013)

http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/minerals

56

Evesham Journal (14th November 2013)

Kidderminster Shuttle/Times (14th November 2013)

Ludlow & Tenbury Wells Advertiser (14th November 2013)

Malvern Gazette and Ledbury Reporter (15th November 2013)

Redditch Advertiser and Alcester Chronicle (13th

November 2013)

Stourbridge News/County Express (14th November 2013)

Worcester News (14th November 2013)

Press releases 4.7. Two rounds of proactive media activity, tailored by news patch, were undertaken

during the consultation period with press releases being sent to all County newspapers and radio stations. 11 articles appeared in local media.

4.8. Press releases were also sent to other organisations and stories were carried in the following publications:

Worcestershire County Association of Local Councils, CALC Update, Issue 42 (8

th November 2013)

Wychavon's Strategic Partnership and LSPs newsletter, Communicate (December 2013)

NFU's weekly email newsletter to all members in the West Midlands (from 15

th November for several weeks) and the regional pages of

NFUOnline.com4.

Direct mail

4.9. On 11th November 2013, an email was sent to all contacts on the Council's

Minerals Planning Database who had opted to be contacted by email (394 email addresses) and all other contacts on the database were sent a letter (113 postal addresses). Both of these included details of and links to the summary and main consultation documents, questionnaire, open days, and background documents.

4.10. Following further consideration of the contacts who had registered an interest in the Minerals Local Plan, it was felt that there may be additional contacts who it would be desirable to inform about the consultation. All contacts on the SCI and Waste Core Strategy consultation database had previously been sent the "Get involved in Planning" Questionnaire but a number of contacts either did not respond, or responded but did not request to receive information on minerals policy. These contacts were considered and three groups were identified:

"white group" – this group were not considered essential to the development of the Minerals Local Plan and were not contacted again.

"blue group" – this group were considered important to be involved in the development of the plan. This group were added to the Minerals consultation database but given the option to be removed on request.

"pink group" – this group were considered to have a potential interest in the development of the Minerals Local Plan. This group were sent the "Get Involved with Planning" questionnaire again but not automatically added to the Minerals consultation database.

The "blue" and "pink" groups were sent letters or emails on 12th December

20135 which contained the same information as the 11

th November letters and

emails with additional details of why they were receiving the communication.

4 The NFU also sent an email about the consultation to all their members in Worcestershire.

5 In error, the letters send on 12 December were dated 11 November.

57

122 letters and 49 emails were sent to blue group, and 165 letters and 52 emails were sent to the pink group.

4.11. A full list of consultees is set out in Appendix C.

Social Media

4.12. Twitter: 7 social media messages were posted through the County Council Twitter channel over the consultation linking through to dedicated website section. The Council had approximately 9,000 followers at this time.

Methods used

Open days

4.13. Three open days were held near the beginning of the consultation period to give the public a chance to find out more about the second stage consultation, look at the background documents, and ask officers questions. The event was publicised in the consultation leaflet and in all publicity on the consultation in general.

4.14. A number of key pages from the consultation document were produced at

poster scale, and all of the Areas of Search were also printed at a large scale. Background documents, the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment, and large-scale geological maps of the county were also available for the public to peruse during the events. Though we attempted to direct the public to the digital copies of the documents, a number of printed consultation documents, summary documents and paper questionnaires were available for the public to take away.

4.15. Worcester Open Day was held on Saturday 30 November 2013, 10:00 - 15:30, at Worcestershire Countryside Centre. There were 7 attendees. This event deliberately coincided with a well-attended fun run in the park, the Worcestershire Christmas Market (the County Council car park serves as a park and ride for Christmas shopping weekends) and a rugby match, all of which were expected to attract passing interest in the consultation.

4.16. The main interest on this day came from Longdon/Queenhill, with parish councillors and residents from the Longdon, Queenhill and Holdfast Parish expressing concern about an existing application on a site near Holdfast.

4.17. Bromsgrove Open Day was held on Wednesday 4 December 2013, 14:00 - 20:00, in the Spadesbourne Suite at Bromsgrove District Council Office. There were 21 attendees. This event was added to the schedule on the request of the Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure and deputy leader of the council as there was local interest in the plan. Attendees at this event included Bromsgrove District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, local residents, and representatives from a number of parish councils (Bentley Pauncefoot, Belbroughton, Hagley). The main areas of interest were concerns about landfills in former quarries and potential links with housing proposals.

4.18. Kidderminster Open Day was held on Saturday 7 December 2013, 10:00 - 16:00, at Kidderminster Library. The Open Day was advertised on hoardings

58

outside and inside the Library. There were 3 attendees. All attendees at this event were members of the public.

4.19. The number of attendees in itself does not indicate the success of these open

days as many in-depth conversations were held about detailed aspects of the plan. People were primarily interested in learning about resources and sites in their areas, and some looked at Areas of Search maps in detail. Following specific questions, electronic links and detailed maps were emailed to answer individual queries. A number of attendees took full consultation or summary documents and questionnaires away with them. There were also a lot of general questions asked about the consultation and the minerals local plan.

Workshops

4.20. We proposed to hold two types of workshop during the consultation period:

An industry workshop aimed specifically at operators to get an industry perspective and to focus on technical issues and deliverability.

A green infrastructure workshop aimed at organisations involved in delivering and managing green infrastructure in and around the county to focus on the implementation and deliverability of our restoration aspirations.

4.21. These workshops did not take place as no expressions of interest were received

for either event.

Consultation Documents

4.22. We produced a main consultation document which set out the processes we had undertaken and options we had considered to arrive at the proposed approaches. The consultation document included:


A draft vision and objectives for what we think the Minerals Local Plan should aim to achieve





Our ideas about how mineral workings should be restored, setting out issues to be considered when developing principles for all workings and a proposed approach to identifying key considerations and restoration priorities for each individual 'area of search'

Details of how minerals should be safeguarded for future use including alternative options to consider.

59

4.23. The consultation document included 44 questions some of which were technical in nature and others which were more general. The questionnaire could be completed online or returned to our dedicated email address or freepost mailing address.

4.24. As the main consultation document was lengthy (327 pages including Appendices), we also produced a summary document. The summary document was composed of extracts from the main consultation document and gave an overview of the issues the new Minerals Local Plan will address and how we used the comments made on the first consultation on the Minerals Local Plan to develop the approaches proposed.

4.25. The summary document was intended to give a good overview and enough

information to help readers decide which sections they might want to look at in more detail. It set out some of the consultation questions in full, and signposted the reader to the main consultation document where the detailed information was required to answer the questions.

4.26. Both documents were available in a "page turner" version, a downloadable PDF, or in printed form on request. 10 copies of the main document and 6 copies of the summary document were posted out on request. Printed documents were also made available in the county's libraries and at County Hall reception.

4.27. We received 30 questionnaire responses and 36 general responses by letter or email that did not use the questionnaire format for a total of 66 responses. This gives an overall response rate of 8.9%.

4.28. The comments received to the second stage consultation were broadly

constructive and positive. The restoration-led approach was especially lauded by conservation organisations, though the minerals industry expressed some reservations and we anticipate that some refinement of the areas of search and the methodology employed to determine them will be necessary. We received very useful feedback from industry respondents regarding ways in which we may strengthen our approach as we begin to draft policies. Local Authorities within and neighbouring Worcestershire also brought a number of important cross-boundary issues to our attention that will require further work. These include projected housing development and demand for aggregates, crushed rock provision, and sustainable transport. Individuals and parish councils expressed concern about particular sites, and ensuring that Worcestershire's local character is captured and expressed in the draft plan.

4.29. There was general agreement with the "issues that need to be addressed through policy criteria" which were identified in tables 5, 10 and 24. Some respondents identified issues that they would like to see strengthened or added, and these will be addressed as we develop the draft policies. Monitoring was identified as a cross-cutting issue in the responses we received, and we will be looking at how monitoring requirements could be incorporated into the draft policies at the next stage of consultation.

4.30. Below is a brief summary of the key issues that arose in each section of the consultation:

60

Portrait of Worcestershire

Respondents broadly agreed with the Portrait of Worcestershire, but in this section and in others, respondents indicated that we could do a better job identifying the things that make Worcestershire unique. Some people recommended that specific sites or locations be included, and we realise that we will need to do a better job conveying Worcestershire's local character in the draft plan.

Vision and objectives

Most responses were in general agreement with the vision and objectives. We received a number of suggestions for amended wording to help clarify our intentions, especially around the historic environment, and some respondents would like to see the objectives become more locally specific.

How much mineral will we make provision for?

Respondents expressed a number of views regarding our proposed approach to meeting our landbank. Some consultees have suggested that we take different approaches to sand and gravel which will have some landbank at the start of the plan period and crushed rock which we currently have no landbank for. We are considering the comments we have received to establish the most appropriate way forward. Cross-boundary issues, crushed rock provision, and protection of AONBs all also figured heavily in responses to this section. There were also concerns expressed about the conversion factor we used to calculate the amount of mineral in resource areas, and about the reliability of information used for one particular resource area. We will undertake further work to refine these estimates and will produce a revised version of the Analysis of Mineral Resources in Worcestershire in due course.

When will minerals be worked and when will our reserves meet national targets?

Consultees clarified that national policy regarding landbanks does not set targets. We acknowledge that this is correct and we mis-used the term "targets", but as we have used this terminology throughout the second stage consultation, we continued to use it in the Consultation Response Document in order to remain consistent with the consultation documents and the questionnaire. We will refine our terminology for the draft plan.

How will minerals be worked?

Proximity of mineral workings to "sensitive receptors" caused some concern, along with the removal of the now-outdated "sieve test" approach. The rationale for the removal of the sieve test is outlined in Appendix 1 of the main consultation document, along with a detailed explanation of changes to the regulatory and national policy context since the adoption of the 1997 Hereford and Worcester Minerals Local Plan. These changes mean that we have had to re-think our approach to

61

identifying constraints and establishing "buffer zones" as the policy context is substantially different than it was in 1997.

Where will minerals be worked?

Respondents expressed concerns about the protection of Worcestershire's AONBs and other landscapes, and concern that visual impact has not been addressed satisfactorily in the second stage consultation. There was also concern expressed from industry and the public about how any proposed sites outside of the areas of search will be handled. We will be refining the areas of search based on the comments received during this consultation, and we believe that some of our earlier assumptions will need to be revisited.

Respondents have also specifically asked that we consider Nitrate Protection Zones, agricultural land quality and source protection zones in preparing our draft policies.

How will mineral workings be restored?

Responses to the restoration-led approach were generally positive, and were met with special acclaim from conservation organisations. Industry respondents expressed more reservations, however, and a number of suggestions were received for ways to refine the approach as we develop the draft plan. We are considering several ways to further refine the areas of search and ensure delivery of the restoration priorities which may include spatial masterplanning, concept planning, or 'corridor plans' in order to better convey the restoration-led approach. This approach will be informed by the responses received, and we plan to explore these options further with the members of the Green Infrastructure Partnership working group which has helped inform the development of the Green Infrastructure aspect of the Minerals Local Plan to date. Several respondents suggested that further clarity is needed about how restoration priorities should be balanced or prioritised if more than one issue is identified for a particular area.

How will we safeguard minerals for the future?

There was general agreement with our proposed approach to safeguarding minerals and mineral infrastructure, but we expect that our approach will be further refined as we develop draft policies.

Next steps

We are planning a series of meetings to address respondents' requests and concerns before beginning to draft policies. Cross-boundary issues, including crushed rock provision, sustainable transport, demand forecasting linked to local development plans and potential AONB impacts all require further cooperation with surrounding authorities. A number of respondents have also offered their expertise and access to their data to help us to fill gaps in our knowledge, particularly around the Mercia Mudstone (clay) and building stone resources in the county. We are

62

embarking on a phase of further information gathering to ensure our evidence base is as robust as possible, and to ensure we have fulfilled our duty to cooperate as we begin to prepare the draft wording for the next consultation.

Online Quiz

4.31. The interactive quiz which was developed for the first stage consultation remained active on our website during the second stage consultation. The quiz asked 'general knowledge' questions about what minerals are used for, how much is needed to build a house, how far minerals are transported, what activities are going on locally and which local recreation facilities were previously mineral workings, with an invitation to provide their contact details if they would like to be involved in participating in future Minerals Local Plan consultations.


Worcestershire Green Infrastructure Partnership

4.32. A presentation about the consultation was made at the Worcestershire Green Infrastructure Partnership meeting on 29

th January 2014, highlighting the role of

Green Infrastructure in the emerging Minerals Local Plan. Although the meeting was close to the end of the consultation period, partner organisations were encouraged to make individual responses as soon as possible.

1000 years of building with stone

4.33. An Officer attended a meeting of the Steering Group for the project on 21st

November 2013, explained the Second Stage Consultation and discussed the part the project could contribute to the Plan and how, it, in return could enable demand for building stone to be met.

4.34. On 13th March 2014 an Officer met volunteers for the project, explained the

Minerals Local Plan and the council's support for the 1,000 years project and how the project would be used within it.

4.35. A brief update on the responses to the Second Stage Consultation on the Plan and reference to the continued commitment to encouraging building stone development in the county was reported to a further meeting of the Steering Group on 13th June 2014.

West Midlands Regional Technical Advisory Body for waste (RTAB) 24/01/14

4.36. The Minerals Local Plan and Second Stage Consultation were explained to the RTAB. Relevant Waste Core Strategy policies and the need for "urban quarries" and the free movement of Construction and Demolition waste through the Green Belt were discussed. The need for the Plan to emphasise the value of this waste and to ensure delivery of aggregates from recycled Construction and Demolition waste was stressed. The poor quality of data on this waste stream was agreed.

Worcestershire Planning Officers Group (WPOG) 04/02/2013 and 08/03/2013

4.37. Brief presentations and question and answer sessions about the MLP were made at the WPOG meeting of Development Management Officers on 4

th

63

February 2013 and the WPOG meeting of Policy Officers on 8th March 2013;

discussions focussed on restoration considerations and the wider implications of and links between mineral and housing development. .


Sustainability Appraisal (SA)

4.38. An Initial Sustainability Appraisal was prepared by the Council and was published for consultation alongside the Minerals Local Plan Second Stage Consultation. This exceeds the six week minimum period which is required for consultation on the Sustainability Appraisal. It was publicised through all direct mail correspondence, the public notices and the minerals pages in the council's website.

4.39. The three statutory consultees for Sustainability Appraisal were also informed specifically. These bodies are Natural England, Environment Agency and English Heritage.

4.40. Comments were received from two of the three statutory consultees: Natural

England and English Heritage. No specific comments were received from the Environment Agency on the SA itself but related issues were referred to in the Agency's response to the Consultation as a whole..

4.41. Natural England were supportive of the initial SA and did not give any detailed

comments for inclusion or further consideration. English Heritage were broadly supportive and highlighted some issues for continued or further inclusion, such as suggesting the inclusion of specific objectives and monitoring indicators for the historic environment within the SA.



Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)

4.43. A Habitats Regulations Assessment Scoping Report was prepared by the Council and was published for consultation alongside the Minerals Local Plan Second Stage Consultation. It was publicised through all direct mail correspondence, the public notices and the minerals pages in the council's website.

4.44. The statutory consultee for Habitats Regulations Assessment was also informed specifically. This body is Natural England.

4.45. Comments were received from Natural England. Natural England was

supportive of the approach taken to the HRA, and gave further information about Natural England's project to make finalised Conservation Objectives for all European sites available online. They suggested that soil compaction should be recognised as an environmental impact which could occur as a result of the extraction of any materials. They advised that requirements for project-stage HRA highlighted in the Scoping Report should be written into the Minerals Local Plan.

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4.46. A further response was received from a member of the public, stating that the consultation was "too complex to comment on properly".


4.47. An Equalities Impact Assessment desktop screening was prepared by the Council and was first published for consultation alongside the Minerals Local Plan First Stage Consultation. This was not revised for the Second Stage Consultation but remained available for comment.





4.50. The background documents which were available for comment alongside the

Second Stage consultation were: What minerals are found in Worcestershire?

Background Document: Analysis of Mineral Resources in Worcestershire – which sets out the methodology for analysing the available information about the mineral resources which are present in the county in order to evaluate the likelihood of them being suitable and commercially attractive for exploitation during the lifetime of the plan.

Background Document: Coal in Worcestershire

Background Document: Salt and Brine in Worcestershire

Background Document: Clay in Worcestershire

Background Document: Building Stone in Worcestershire How much of each mineral do we need to make provision for?

The Local Aggregates Assessment for Worcestershire – June 2013

The Draft Local Aggregates Assessment for Worcestershire – October 2012

Background Document: Ensuring adequate and steady supply of industrial and energy minerals

What are the other local issues?

Background Document: Contributing towards Worcestershire's priorities -which sets out how the minerals local plan could contribute towards the Council's corporate priorities and the priorities of the Sustainable Community Strategy.

Background Document: Minerals and Climate Change – which considers the contribution that the Minerals Local Plan could play to reducing Worcestershire’s climate change emissions and planning for and adapting to climate change.

Background Document: The Malvern Hills Acts - which sets out the unique legislative framework regarding mineral working in the Malvern Hills.

Profile documents for Environmental Character Areas – these detail the mineral and environmental context in the Environmental Character Areas

http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/2012%2010%2008%20AGG%20Draft%20report%20-%20steady%20and%20adequate%20supply.pdf




http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/cms/pdf/2012%2008%2023%20Malvern%20Hills.pdf

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which form the basis for the Worcestershire Green Infrastructure Framework. There are 30 Environmental Character Areas.

4.51. No comments were received on any of the background documents specifically,

although some responses to the main consultation referred to the Local Aggregates Assessment and the Analysis of Mineral Resources.

4.52. The background documents will be reviewed as necessary and further background documents will be produced during the development of the Minerals Local Plan.




4.54. Following the close of the First Stage Consultation in January 2013, the following activities have been undertaken:



Herefordshire and Worcestershire Planning Policy Officers Group Presentation and discussion on 8

th March 2013.

Awareness raised, broad issues of mutual interest identified, particularly with regard to the contribution mineral workings could make to recreation sites being proposed in district wide Local Plans. Informal links established.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Development Management Officers Group Presentation and discussion on 4

th February 2013.

Awareness raised and broad issues of mutual interest raised, particularly with regard to liaison procedures over possible future mineral and housing development sites. Informal links established.

Bromsgrove District Council: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

No response received to Second Stage Consultation. Officers attended the open day held in Bromsgrove and subsequently asked for clarification of whether there were any minerals issues for any of the proposed development sites. WCC officers compared each site with known mineral resources and provided a commentary on each of the proposed development

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sites (10th December 2013). This

identified one site which would require further assessment and advised on what the assessment should address.



Redditch Borough Council: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.



Response received noting that there are no commercial or cruising waterways within Redditch Borough's boundary.

Wyre Forest District Council: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

Response received to Second Stage Consultation, supporting the restoration-led approach and close links with Green Infrastructure, and highlighting the District Council's Green Infrastructure Study and Strategy as an information source. WFDC supported the vision, objectives and strategic restoration priorities. It supported the approach to identifying areas of search and safeguarding minerals.



South Worcestershire Authorities: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

Response received to Second Stage Consultation. South Worcestershire made many comments, broadly focused on:

The need for policy criteria

Adequate and steady supply of minerals, impact of housing numbers on demand, phasing of

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working and delivery milestones, concern at lower target after 2016

Preference for identifying specific sites or preferred areas

Appropriateness of protecting and enhancing Worcestershire's key economic sectors

Need for references to sustainable transport and community engagement in the vision

Maximising use of secondary and recycled materials, acknowledging imports and exports and comprehensive working of permitted reserves

The need for high environmental standards throughout site life

Transport, traffic impacts and the use of sustainable modes of transport

Methodology for identifying areas of search,

Desire to input into restoration priorities and profiles

Implications of mineral overlap with South Worcestershire site allocations for housing or employment land

Potential impact on Malvern Hills, AONBs, Abberley Hills, Green Belt, landscape character

Appropriateness of "restoration-led" approach

Need for more information on safeguarding resources and infrastructure assets.



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Shropshire: Meeting held 11

th March 2013

– discussed proposed approaches by both counties to plan making, green infrastructure and environmental networks, Local Aggregates Assessments, building stone and waste.

No issues of conflict identified. Agreed to continue discussions as approaches develop, but no areas of concern or conflict at present. Agreed both counties are proposing appropriate levels of production. The only significant possible issue of cross-border supply is that Shropshire's high-quality roadstone may be supplying part of Worcestershire's need but this reflects normal workings of the market due to the special nature of the material.





Herefordshire: April/May 2013 – Email discussion regarding the two counties' crushed-rock sales data which have been merged for many years, making it difficult to establish an average of past 10 years sales in the Local Aggregates Assessment.

Discussion regarding the methodology led to agreement to maintain the RAWP "apportionment" to 2016, followed by average of past 10-years sales on the assumption that 2/3 of crushed rock has been produced by Herefordshire and 1/3 by Worcestershire.

June 2013 – email exchange regarding mineral development in the Malvern Hills and Herefordshire's Core Strategy policies M3 and M4.

Discussion of wording and sharing data regarding the legislative context of the Malvern Hills led to minor amendments to policy wording and agreement that no conflict is anticipated between the emerging Worcestershire Minerals Local Plan and Herefordshire's emerging Core Strategy over mineral development in the Malvern Hills or the emerging plans and minerals issues generally.

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17th July 2013 – meeting with

an update on the status of Minerals Planning Policy preparation in both counties, status and principles of Local Aggregate Assessments, discussion of any complementary or conflicting issues or matters of concern, data availability and sharing.

Agreed that there are no conflicts or matters of concern between the councils' timetables or approaches, and that both counties would proceed on the basis of supplying the WMRAWP sub-regional apportionment up to 2016 followed by average of past 10-years sales. Agreed that WCC intends to plan for supplying its share of both sand and gravel and crushed rock, but reliant on industry to make applications. WCC does not seek to rely on other counties contributions to meet its LAA requirements, but if the market were to look to quarries in Herefordshire to meet some of this need, Herefordshire Council agrees that its landbanks and productive capacity are capable of supplying some of those needs without difficulty and it would not object to this. Agreed that WMRAWP's AMR is the best source of data. For crushed rock, agreed to maintain the principle that 2/3 crushed rock production from Herefordshire and 1/3 from Worcestershire as a realistic way to aim for future supply. In the long term, 10 years supply average will become meaningful and usable. Agreed that there were no conflicts between the 2 counties' approaches to the LAA. Agreed that future meetings would be useful to ensure compatibility between approaches and the use of data.

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Warwickshire: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation. Informal discussions between officers about the content and progress of both counties' Plans were held at the WMRTAB meetings.




Gloucestershire: February 2013 – email exchange confirming sites in Worcestershire to appear in maps in Gloucestershire's Minerals Local Plan.

WCC confirmed the sites shown were correct and that there were no longer any operational quarries producing crushed rock or building stone in Worcestershire.

17th June 2013 – see "Joint

meeting" section below.

See below

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Response received to Second Stage Consultation. Gloucestershire suggested that preferred areas or specific sites may be required to provide certainty to both industry and communities, demonstrate deliverability and avoid putting pressure on neighbouring authorities. Gloucestershire highlighted that potential development near to the county boundary could have cross-boundary implications which need to be considered at the next stage of plan preparation.


Gloucestershire replied stating that they had no specific comments, but referred us to their Transport Evidence Paper background document.

Staffordshire: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation. Informal discussions between officers about the content and progress of both counties' Plans were held at the POS Mineral and Waste Learning Project Meetings and WMRTAB meetings.




West Midlands conurbation "county" as Mineral Planning Authorities: Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

No response received to Second Stage Consultation from any of the West Midlands Unitary Authorities.

Informally consulted on Water No response received.

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Transport Paper, Winter 2014.

Joint meeting: 17

th June 2013 – Hosted by

Worcestershire County Council and attended by:

Gloucestershire County Council (and South West RAWP representative),

Warwickshire County Council, and

Herefordshire Council Discussion of: status of MLP in each county (mineral types, timetable, broad principles, matters of mutual interest); status of Local Aggregate Assessment preparation and principles; any complementary or conflicting issues, matters of concern, and cross boundary initiatives; data sharing; working together effectively.

General discussion of these issues did not result in any specific actions. Agreed that ongoing dialogue is necessary.

West Midlands Resource Technical Advisory Body: A brief presentation was given to and discussion held with the WMRTAB meeting on 24

th January 2014.

Informal confirmation and re-assertion of RTAB support for earlier regional policy stance that C and D recycling made an important contribution to aggregate supply and that such facilities were appropriate in both urban and Green Belt locations.

West Midlands Aggregate Working Party: 18

th October 2013 - Meeting

of "West Midlands" Planning Authority officer representatives at Birmingham City Council Offices. Confirmed role of AWP in giving advice on Local Aggregate Assessment (LAA) production, compliance with guidelines and 'fair share of burdens'. Also discussed potential for establishing

Noted WCC's close working relationship with Herefordshire but separate LAAs produced. Noted that Worcestershire's LAA has gone to Cabinet. Other LAAs in the region may be produced jointly (i.e. Shropshire with Telford & Wrekin, Staffordshire with Stoke on Trent, West Midlands unitary authorities)

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non-aggregate minerals group.

Other Aggregate Working Parties: The following Aggregate Working Parties were contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation:

East Midlands AWP

East of England AWP

Greater London Authority AWP

London AWP

North East AWP

North Wales AWP

North West AWP

South East AWP

South Wales AWP

South West AWP


Response to Second Stage Consultation received from East of England AWP. Notwithstanding any comments that individual members of the AWP may make on the Plan, the EEAWP does not believe that the content of this Plan will have any significant impact on the AWP area. No response received to Second Stage Consultation from other AWPs.

Other authorities Surrounding Authorities: All surrounding Local Planning Authorities were contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

Response to Second Stage Consultation received from Tewkesbury Borough Council. Their comments focused on cross-boundary impacts from mineral working, such as flooding and surface water management, landscape impact, biodiversity and transport, and the need to make appropriate provision throughout the plan period to prevent undue pressure on surrounding authorities. They also highlighted potential demand from development in Gloucestershire. No response received to Second Stage Consultation from other surrounding Local Planning Authorities.

All surrounding Local Planning Authorities were

No responses received.

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informally consulted on the Water Transport Paper in Winter 2014.

The Planning Officers Society Mineral and Waste Learning Project (4 meetings p.a.): The content and progress of members' Mineral Plans is formally discussed at every meeting.

Bedfordshire Authorities (Central Bedfordshire, Bedford & Luton Boroughs),

Bradford, Derbyshire/Derby,

East Sussex/Brighton & Hove,

Essex,

Hampshire,

Hertfordshire,

Lincolnshire,

Northamptonshire,

Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire,

Staffordshire,

Surrey,

West Berkshire,

West Sussex/South Downs NPA

Potential matters of mutual interest and concern are discussed at every meeting.


Member of the Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group (see below)

See below.


Response received to Second Stage Consultation. The Environment Agency supported the draft spatial portrait, suggesting greater reference to the Water Framework Directive and Flood Risk betterment, and supported the vision as being progressive and positively worded. They also supported the draft objectives, but suggested that explicit reference to 'Flood Risk' and 'betterment opportunities' would highlight

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their importance. Similarly, they supported the proposed policy issues, suggesting that future policy wording should commit to 'betterment opportunities'. They also highlighted that the 'sequential test' would need consideration and guidance in emerging policy, but that a balance will be needed between locating workings in low flood risk areas and providing opportunities for meaningful flood alleviation. They supported the progressive approach to assigning restoration priorities to areas of search, but suggested flexibility would be needed to take account of site-level conditions which may not align with strategic priorities.



English Heritage Member of the Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group (see below)

See below.


Response received to Second Stage Consultation. English Heritage welcomed references to background data. They noted that traditional building and roofing stone is fundamental to maintaining built heritage. They welcomed references to the historic environment throughout and particularly the specific objective, but suggested that a reference could be included within the vision. They highlighted that clarity will be needed to show how appropriate areas/sites have been identified ensuring the protection, conservation and enhancement of the historic environment. They welcomed the opportunity to work with us to ensure a positive legacy for

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the historic environment as a result of minerals development and restoration, and encouraged consideration of the historic environment as an overarching restoration principle. They also commented fully on the Sustainability Appraisal.


No response received

Natural England Member of the Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group (see below)

See below.


Response received to Second Stage Consultation. Natural England supported the section on the Environment in the Portrait of Worcestershire, particularly the inclusion of green infrastructure, and welcomed the environmental aspects of the draft vision and draft Objective 6. Natural England particularly supported the inclusion of policy criteria on the natural and historic environment, but suggested that Green Infrastructure and soils could also be included. They fully supported the GI-led approach to restoration. They also commented fully on the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment.


Natural England responded to say that "As a general principle the use of any waterways for transporting minerals should ensure protection and enhancement of the environment".

The Mayor of London

Did not respond to the "Get involved in Planning" leaflet. No issues have been identified which require

N/A

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co-operation with the Mayor of London, therefore not consulted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.



Responded to Second Stage Consultation setting out CAA's areas of interest. No issues of conflict identified.


No issues have been identified which require co-operation with the Homes and Communities Agency. However, added to "blue group" and contacted by direct mail for Second Stage Consultation.


Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs)

The Primary Care Trusts have been disbanded and new Clinical Commissioning Groups set up. These are:

South Worcestershire CCG

Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG

Wyre Forest CCG

New single point of contact established to act as conduit for all liaison over health matters.

National Health Service Commissioning Board

See above See above




Transport for London No issues have been identified which require co-operation with Transport for London. Not consulted.

N/A


Added to "blue group" for Second Stage Consultation and contacted by direct mail.


Highways Agency Contacted by direct mail regarding Second Stage Consultation.

Responded to Second Stage Consultation highlighting the Highways Agency's responsibilities in Worcestershire, requesting to be consulted as policies are developed to ensure adequate consideration is given to impacts on the Strategic Road Network.


WCC Highways were not sent the Second Stage Consultation in error.

No response received at time of publication.

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Subsequent discussion led to an individual contact being identified and the consultation material was forwarded on 12

th June 2014 for comment.




No issues identified which require co-operation with the Marine Management Organisation. Following the "Get Involved in Planning" questionnaire, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) requested not to be consulted, stating that "the remit of the MMO’s work reaches up to the mean high water springs mark along the coast and within any stretches of tidal river. Our maps indicate that there are no rivers within Worcestershire that are under tidal influence and as such this area is outside of the MMO’s remit. We therefore do not feel it necessary to be consulted on any of the areas covered by the questionnaire." On 12

th December 2013 we

wrote again to the MMO, highlighting the Duty to Cooperate and setting out that although we do not anticipate the plan affecting marine and tidal issues, there may be areas of interest for the MMO such as imports from marine dredged sand and gravel or aspects of our Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Response received to consultation, recommending reference to marine aggregates be included within the Plan and highlighting information sources.




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The Worcestershire Partnership was remodelled into a wider range of groups during this time. One of the most relevant to the MLP is the newly formed Local Nature Partnership. Contacted via LNP secretary (listed as one of the Worcestershire County Council contacts in Appendix C) regarding Second Stage Consultation.

No response received to Second Stage Consultation from LNP itself, although many of its members are represented in the Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group (see below).

Minerals Green Infrastructure Steering Group

4.55. A steering group was established to assist with embedding the Green

Infrastructure approach in the Minerals Local Plan. The group consists of:

English Heritage

Environment Agency

Forestry Commission

Natural England

Nature After Minerals/RSPB


Worcestershire County Council: o Strategic Planning & Environmental Policy o Ecology o Landscape o Development Management o Water/flooding o Countryside Access & Recreation o Historic Environment

Not all participants have been able to attend all meetings, but all have been included on email circulations with agendas, minutes and draft documents for comment.

4.56. A number of meetings were held between the First Stage and Second Stage

consultations to develop the Green Infrastructure approach:

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Meeting of 30th January 2013:

Exploratory meeting to discuss the pros, cons and practicalities of using GI principles and restoration potential to drive the development of the Minerals Local Plan. The group supported taking an innovative GI approach to minerals.

Meeting of 10th April 2013:

Group members had contributed information to inform "Environmental Character Area Profiles". Officers had also been developing Areas of Search, and were using the issues and priorities from the Environmental Character Area profiles to establish the strategic priorities for each Area of Search.

Two mock-examples were presented to the group to critique. An early draft of the vision and objectives was given to the group alongside a table setting out considerations under each objective showing which were likely to be addressed through policy criteria and which might be strategic priorities for areas of search. These were then looked at as a "primary", "secondary" or "tertiary" priorities (working terms) for each of the areas. The group helped make amendments to the strategic priority groupings and suggested ways in which priority levels could be established.

The group agreed that a habitat approach would be better than a species approach, and that landscape changes need to either be consistent with existing landscape character or be wholly different, not piece-meal degradation.

Officers were to commence work on developing the areas of search and profiles. The group asked to be sent drafts and to meet to discuss and refine them in batches, preferably covering diverse areas of search in the first batch to try and iron out most of the major issues up front.

Meeting of 28th May 2013 and 11th June 2013:

A method statement setting out how strategic priorities, secondary priorities and tertiary priorities had been derived and a method for applying these to the Areas of Search were provided for group discussion:

o Each aspect was discussed and the group made suggestions for refining the methods or the data used.

Draft examples of Area of Search profiles were provided for group discussion:

o The group agreed that the level of detail was appropriate. o The group discussed the interplay of the priorities, whether it was

appropriate if the method resulted in some areas having lots of primary priorities, whether there was potential for conflict between priorities, whether minerals sites could deliver the priorities, and the need to bring out important issues in each Area of Search.

o Further discussion looking at the examples raised points which needed to be refined in the method or data used, as well as individual points of interest for individual areas of search.

The group agreed that a sub-group would meet to discuss landscape and heritage issues and methodology and report back.

The group agreed that minerals officers would liaise with water interests to finalise methodology for water aspects.

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The group agreed that WCC's Environmental Policy team would consider the biodiversity aspect to finalise the methodology.

The group agreed that WCC Minerals officers would pick up on the advice from these subgroups and consult the whole group on final methodology and worked examples through email and file sharing.

Discussion with Minerals Industry

Cemex and Tarmac

4.57. A meeting was held on 16th July 2013 with representatives from Cemex and

Tarmac. This gave a brief introduction to the Minerals Local Plan, the minerals covered, timetable and next consultation stage, and broad principles.






issues which should be addressed regarding sand and gravel, crushed rock and other minerals;


data availability and sharing;



4.59. Outcomes and actions included agreement to discuss:

possible pre-application proposals with the Development Management section and operator's agents in parallel with the Plan process,

The proposed emphasis on a restoration led approach further, if necessary, following the next consultation,

specific matters raised by individual companies individually if requested,

matters of concern to minerals operators as a group at a specific seminar.

Tarmac

4.60. A meeting was held on 7th February 2014 between Worcestershire County

Council's Minerals and Waste Policy team, Development Management team and PleydellSmithyman Ltd (representing Tarmac). This meeting looked at the relationship between the emerging Minerals Local Plan and future site development at Clifton Gravel Pit.

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Tarmac's existing operations in Worcestershire, likely lifetime left at those sites and plans for future extraction;

Site investigations already undertaken and likely to be required;

Ground water, particularly relating to a nearby SSSI and private water supplies;

Access arrangements, amenity and restoration issues;

Potential for restoration of the Clifton site for recreation purposes;

Likely timescale of an application in relation to submission or adoption of the Minerals Local Plan.

Salop Sand and Gravel

4.62. A meeting was arranged with Salop Sand and Gravel including a site visit at Chadwich Lane Pit for 18

th September 2013. The agenda for this meeting was

the same as for the meeting with Cemex and Tarmac.

4.63. Worcestershire County Council officers attended the meeting, but representatives from Salop Sand and Gravel did not arrive and the meeting was not held.

4.64. A meeting was held at Worcestershire County Council's offices on 7

th February

2014 between Worcestershire County Council's Minerals and Waste Policy team, Development Management team, Mr Parton of Salop Sand and Gravel and PleydellSmithyman Ltd (Salop Sand and Gravel's agent). This meeting looked at the relationship between Mr Parton's operations and potential future plans, the requirement for restoration plans and restrictions to infilling as a restoration option in the future.

Coal Authority and CoalPro

4.65. A meeting was held on 13th August 2013 with representatives from the Coal

Authority and CoalPro. This gave a brief introduction to the Minerals Local Plan, the minerals covered, timetable and next consultation stage, and broad principles.






issues which should be addressed regarding coal;

issues which should be addressed regarding other minerals associated with coal;


data availability;


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4.67. Outcomes and actions included:

Only surface working of coal is conceivable in Worcestershire at present. Alternative hydrocarbon extraction techniques are theoretically possible but likely to be unviable;

Although some coal strata are geologically present, at best the deposits are very thin, in practice all commercial surface deposits may have already been worked out, meaning that there is no coal resource for future extraction in the county;

Coal hazards however are important and have been mapped in Worcestershire. The areas affected should be "safeguarded" to ensure that the ground conditions can be assessed and any remedial action undertaken before other development is permitted;

Policies should be included to enable coal and related minerals to be developed if applications come forward, subject to the provisos in the NPPF.

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Appendix A: A summary of the legislative and regulatory requirements

The Minerals Local Plan (MLP) for Worcestershire is a statutory Development Plan Document (“DPD”) within the meaning of the Town and Country Planning (Local Plan) (England) Regulations 2012 (“the Regulations”). Before the Council can adopt the Minerals Local Plan it has to be submitted it to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

Duty to co-operate in relation to planning of sustainable development: The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (local development) (as amended by the Localism Act 2012) 33A and The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 Part 2 require local planning authorities to cooperate with the following bodies in the preparation of development plan documents, other local development documents and any activities that relate to strategic matters and support the preparation of these development documents:

Local Planning Authorities,

The Environment Agency,

English Heritage,

Natural England,

The Mayor of London,

Civil Aviation Authority,

The Homes and Communities Agency,

Each Primary Care Trust,

Office of Rail Regulation,

Transport for London,

Each Integrated Transport Authority, in the case of the West Midlands this is Centro,

Each Highway Authority


Local Enterprise Partnerships The duty to co-operate requires constructive and active engagement on an ongoing basis. In doing this the local planning authority must also have regard to the development plan documents, other local development documents and marine plans of these organisations, as well as any activities that relate to strategic matters

6 and

support the preparation of these development documents. Co-operation may include considering the preparation of agreement on joint approaches or preparing joint local development documents. Preparation of the Minerals Local Plan Regulation 18 The Town and County Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 requires the Council to notify the following groups that it proposes to prepare a Minerals Local Plan and invite then to make representations on what it ought to contain:

6 A 'Strategic Matter' is a sustainable development or use of land that has or would have a significant

impact on at least two planning areas. This includes infrastructure and 'county matters' such as minerals and waste development (defined in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990).

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Specific consultation bodies which the Council considers may be interested. These are the Coal Authority, the Environment Agency, English Heritage, the Marine Management Organisation, Natural England, Network Rail Infrastructure Limited, the Highways Agency, relevant authorities that are in or adjoining Worcestershire, Primary Care Trusts, Homes and Communities Agency, sewerage undertakers, water undertakers and any persons licensed under the electricity act, gas act or to whom the electronic communications code applies.

General consultation bodies which the Council considers appropriate. These include voluntary bodies and bodies which represent the interests of different racial, ethnic, national or religious groups, disabled persons or persons carrying on business in the area.

Residents or others carrying out business in Worcestershire which the Council considers appropriate.

Submission of documents and information to the Secretary of State Section 20(3) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and Regulation 22(1)c of The Town and County Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 require a statement setting out the following to be submitted to the Secretary of State alongside the Minerals Local Plan:

Which bodies and persons the LPA invited to make representations under regulation 18 (see above)

How they were invited to make representations

A summary of the main issues raised

How these issues were taken into account It also requires the council to identify the number of representations made on the local plan which the Council proposes to submit to the Secretary of State and to provide a summary of the main issues raised.

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Appendix B: Direct mail/e-mail distribution list: first stage consultation

Specific Consultees

Abberley Parish Council

Abberton Parish Meeting

Abbots Morton Parish Council

Acton Beauchamp Group Parish Council

Alcester Town Council

Alfrick & Lulsley Parish Council

Alvechurch Parish Council

Alveley & Romsley Parish Council

Arrow with Weethley Parish Council

Ashton-under-Hill Parish Council

Astley & Dunley Parish Council

Badsey & Aldington Parish Council

Barnt Green Parish Council (3)

Bayton Parish Council (2)

Beckford Parish Council

Belbroughton Parish Council (2)

Bentley Pauncefoot Parish Council

Beoley Parish Council

Berrow Parish Council

Bewdley Town Council

Bickmarsh Parish Council

Bidford on Avon Parish Council

Birlingham Parish Council

Birmingham City Council

Birtsmorton Parish Council

Bishampton & Throckmorton Parish Council

Blaby District Council

Boraston Parish Meeting

Bournheath Parish Council (2)

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority

Bredicott Parish Meeting

Bredon & Bredon's Norton Parish Council

Bretforton Parish Council

Broadheath Parish Council

Broadwas & Cotheridge Parish Council

Broadway Parish Council

Bromsgrove District Council (3)

Bromsgrove District Council & Redditch Borough Council

Broome Parish Council

Broughton Hackett Parish Meeting

Bushley Parish Council

Cannock Chase Council

Castlemorton Parish Council

Catshill and North Marlbrook Parish Council (2)

Chaceley Parish Council

Chaddesley Corbett Parish Council

Charlton Parish Council

Cheltenham Borough Council

Cherwell District Council

Childswickham Parish Council

Chipping Campden Town Council

Church Lench Parish Council

Churchill & Blakedown Parish Council

Churchill Parish Council

Cleeve Prior Parish Council

Clent Parish Council

Clifton-on-Teme Parish Council

Coal Authority

Cofton Hackett Parish Council

Cookhill Parish Council

Cotswolds District Council (3)

Coventry City Council

Cropthorne Parish Council

Crowle Parish Council

Daventry District Council

Defford & Besford Parish Council

Derbyshire County Council

Dodderhill Parish Council

Dodford with Grafton Parish Council

Dorsington Parish Council

Drakes Broughton & Wadborough with Pirton Parish Council

Droitwich Spa Town Council

Dudley MBC

Dumbleton Parish Council

Earls Croome Parish Council

East Staffordshire Borough Council

Eastham Parish Council

Eckington Parish Council

Eldersfield Parish Council

Elmbridge Parish Council

Elmley Castle Parish Council

Elmley Castle, Bricklehampton & Netherton Parish Council

Elmley Lovett Parish Council

English Heritage

Environment Agency (2)

Essex County Council

Evesham Town Council

Far Forest Parish Council

Feckenham Parish Council

Fladbury Parish Council

Flyford Flavell Grafton Flyford North Piddle Parish Council

Forest of Dean District Council

Frankley Parish Council

Gloucester City Council

Gloucestershire County Council (2)

Great Comberton Parish Council

Great Witley & Hill Hampton Parish Council

Grimley Parish Council

Guarlford Parish Council

Hagley Parish Council

Hallow Parish Council

Hampton Lovett & Westwood Parish Council

Hanbury Parish Council

Hanley Castle Parish Council (2)

Hanley Parish Council

Harborough District Council

Hartlebury Parish Council

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Harvington Parish Council

Hatfield & District Group Parish Council

Heaton Planning

Herefordshire Council

Highways Agency

Hill and Moor Parish Council

Hill Croome Parish Council

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council

Hindlip, Martin Hussingtree and Salwarpe Parish Council

Hinton-on-the Green & Somerville Parish Council

Holt Parish Council

Honeybourne Parish Council

Hunnington Parish Council

Inkberrow Parish Council

Kemerton Parish Council (2)

Kempsey Parish Council

Kenswick & Wichenford Parish Council

Kidderminster Foreign Parish Council

Kington & Dormston Parish Council

Knighton-on-Teme Parish Council

Knightwick & Doddenham Parish Council

Leicester City Council

Leicestershire County Council

Leigh and Bransford Parish Council

Lichfield District Council

Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council

Lindridge Parish Council

Little Comberton Parish Council

Little Malvern & Welland Parish Council (2)

Little Witley Parish Council

Longdon Queenhill and Holdfast Parish Council

Lower Broadheath Parish Council

Lower Sapey Parish Meeting

Madresfield Parish Council

Malvern Hills District Council (5)

Malvern Town Council

Malvern Wells Parish Council

Mamble Parish Council

Marston Sicca (Long Marston) Parish Council

Martley Parish Council

Mathon Parish Council

Milson and Neen Sollars Parish Council

Monmouthshire County Council

Natural England (2)

Naunton Beauchamp Parish Council

Network Rail (1)

Network Rail Commercial Property

Newland Parish Council

North and Middle Littleton Parish Council

North Claines Parish Council

North Warwickshire Borough Council

North West Leicestershire District Council

Northamptonshire County Council

Northway Parish Council

Norton and Lenchwick Parish Council

Norton-Juxta-Kempsey Parish Council

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council

Offenham Parish Council


Ombersley & Doverdale Parish Council

Overbury & Conderton Parish Council

Oxford City Council

Oxfordshire County Council

Pebworth Parish Council

Pendock Parish Council

Pensax Parish Council

Peopleton Parish Council

Pershore Town Council

Pinvin Parish Council (3)

Powick Parish Council

Powys County Council

Redditch Borough Council (3)

Redmarley D'Abitot Parish Council

Ripple Parish Council

Rochford Parish Council

Rock Parish Council

Romsley Parish Council

Rous Lench Parish Council (2)

Rugby Borough Council

Rushock Parish Council

Rushwick Parish Council

Saleway Group (Himbleton, Hadzor, Oddingly, Huddington)

Salford Priors Parish Council

Sandwell MBC

Sedgeberrow Parish Council

Severn Stoke & Croome d'Abitot Parish Council

Severn Stoke and Croome d'Abitot Parish Council

Severn Trent Water Ltd (3)

Shrawley Parish Council

Shropshire Council

Snowshill Parish Meeting

Solihull MBC

South Derbyshire District Council

South Littleton Parish Council

South Northamptonshire Council

South Oxfordshire District Council

South Staffordshire Council

Spetchley Parish Council

St Peter's the Great County Parish Council

Stafford Borough Council

Staffordshire County Council (2)

Stanford with Orleton Parish Meeting

Stock and Bradley Green Parish Council

Stockton Parish Meeting

Stockton-on-Teme Parish Meeting

Stoke Bliss, Kyre and Bockleton Parish Council

Stoke on Trent City Council

Stoke Prior Parish Council

Stone Parish Council

Stoulton Parish Council

Stourport-on-Severn Town Council

Stratford-on-Avon District Council

Strensham Parish Council

Stroud District Council

Suckley Parish Council

Suffolk County Council

88

Swindon Borough Council

Tamworth Borough Council

Tanworth-in-Arden Parish Council

Telford and Wrekin Council

Tenbury Town Council

Tewkesbury Borough Council

The Coal Authority

The Shelsleys Parish Council (2)

Tibberton Parish Council

Tutnall & Cobley Parish Council

Twyning Parish Council

Upper Arley Parish Council

Upton on Severn Town Council

Upton Snodsbury Parish Council

Upton Warren Parish Council

Vale of White Horse District Council

Walsall Council

Walsall MBC

Warndon Parish Council (2)

Warwick District Council

Warwickshire County Council (3)

West Malvern Parish Council

West Oxfordshire District Council

White Ladies Aston Parish Meeting

Whittington Parish Council

Wick Parish Council

Wickhamford Parish Council

Wiltshire Council

Wolverhampton City Council

Wolverley & Cookley Parish Council

Worcester City Council

Worcestershire County Council (26)

Worcestershire Regulatory Services (2)

Wychavon District Council (1)

Wyre Forest District Council (4)

Wyre Piddle Parish Council

Wythall Parish Council

General Consultees

Abberley & Malvern Hills Geopark

Avon Navigation Trust

Avoncroft Museum

Beckford Nature Reserve

Belbroughton History Society

British Aggregates Association

British Ceramic Confederation

British Horse Society

British Ready-mixed Concrete Association

Bromsgrove Society

Canal and River Trust

Charter Trustees of Kidderminster


Communities First Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Confederation of British Industry

Confederation of UK Coal Producers (2)

Cotswold Drainage Ltd

Cotswolds Conservation Board

Country Land and Business

CPRE (Worcestershire) (2)

Department for Communities and Local Government

Diocesan of Worcester (2)

Droitwich History & Archaeology Society (2)

Duckworth Worcestershire Trust

East Midlands Aggregates Working Party

East of England Aggregates Working Party

Friends of the Earth (Redditch)

Greater Solihull and Birmingham Local Economic Partnership

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

Kidderminster Charter Trustees

Lickey Hills Society (2)

London Aggregates Working Party

Malvern Civic Society

Malvern Hills AONB Partnership

Malvern Hills Conservators

Mineral Products Association

Mr Peter Luff MP

Mrs Nicole Sinclair MEP

National Planning Casework Unit

National Trust


NFU West Midlands

North East Aggregates Working Party (2)

North Wales Aggregates Working Party

North West Aggregates Working Party

Older People's Forum in Evesham

Older People's Forum in Pershore

Older People's Forum in Redditch

Pershore Civic Society

Ramblers Association

Robin Walker MP

Romsley & Hunnington History Society

RSPB (Midlands Region)

Severn Rivers Trust

South East of England Aggregates Working Party

South Wales Aggregates Working Party

South Wales Aggregates Working Party

South West Aggregates Working Party

South Worcestershire Archaeological Group

South Worcestershire Land Drainage Partnership

Sport England

The Inland Waterways Association

The Mining Association of the UK

The Stone Federation of Great Britain

The Woodland Trust

Vale of Evesham Civic Society

West Mercia Police (3)

West Midlands Aggregates Working Party

West Midlands Conservative MEP Team

West Midlands Regional Aggregate Working Party

Worcester Wychavon Rotary Club

Worcestershire County Association of Local Councils

89

Worcestershire Historical Society


Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (2)

Worcestershire Local Economic Partnership

Yorkshire and the Humber Aggregates Working Party

Other interested parties

Accurate Cutting Services Ltd.

AMEC

Asda Stores Limited (2)

Atkins Global

Barton Willmore Partnership

BE Group

Berkley Contract Services Ltd

Betts Ecology

BNP Paribas Real Estate (2)

Brett Group

Carter Jonas LLP (2)

Cemex UK (2)

Charcon Construction Solutions

Co-operative Group Ltd

Costain

Crest Strategic Projects Ltd

Croome Estate Trust

David L Walker Ltd

DK Symes Associates

Dr A Judge

Drivers Jonas Deloitte

Eden Hall

Entec UK Ltd

Foley Gardens

Framptons

Frank P. Matthews Ltd.

George Law Ltd.

Go Greener Ltd (T/A Mailes Waste Management)

Grafton Barn

Gregory Gray Associates

Hanson UK

Harris Lamb

Hickman Stanmore

Hills Group

Hutton Stone

J Cullen Thermals Ltd

Kim MacDonald

Land & Mineral Management Limited

Land & Mineral Resource Consultants Ltd (3)

Lawrence Recycling

M & M Timber Co. Ltd.

M Biddle

M Victory

Mercia Waste Management

Micro Hydro Association

Morgan Technical Ceramics Ltd

Mr & Mrs Knowles

Mr C Narrainen

Mr D MacDonald

Mr E Duke

Mr Heath

Mr P Bladon

Mr P Knott

Mr Peter Spalton

Mr R Latham

Mr S Field

Mr S Wyatt

Mrs C Boughton-Thomas

Mrs Dell

Mrs E Morgan

Mrs EM Jones

Mrs G Sanderson

Mrs L Bryan

Myers Group

N K Reader

Overbury Estate

Peter Morgan

Profin Protective Finishing Limited

RA Watkins

Recycle 91

Robert Hitchins Ltd.

Royal Mail Group Legal (Real Estate)

RPS Planning (2)

RWE npower

Savills (3)

Smiths Concrete Ltd

Smiths Gore

Smiths of Bletchington

Somerfield

Sparc Systems Ltd.

SSG Quarries

Stansgate Planning Consultants Ltd

Tarmac Ltd (2)

Terence O'Rourke Ltd

The Concrete Centre

Tweedale Ltd

University of Derby Corporate

Wall, James, Chappell

Whiting Landscape Ltd.

Wienerberger Ltd

Wildmoor Quarry (Cinetic Sand) Ltd

90

Appendix C: Direct mail/e-mail distribution list: second stage consultation

Key:

Unmarked = Sent consultation information on 11th November 2013.

Marked = "blue group" sent consultation information on 12th December 2013 – this group were considered

important to be involved in the development of the plan and were added to the Minerals consultation database but given the option to be removed on request.

Marked = "pink group" sent consultation information on 12th December 2013 – this group were considered to

have a potential interest in the development of the Minerals Local Plan and were sent the "Get Involved with Planning" questionnaire again but not automatically added to the Minerals consultation database.

Specific consultees:

Abberley Parish Council

Abberton Parish Meeting

Abbots Morton Parish Council

Acton Beauchamp Group Parish Council

Alcester Town Council

Alfrick & Lulsley Parish Council

Alvechurch Parish Council

Alveley & Romsley Parish Council

Arrow with Weethley Parish Council

Ashton-under-Hill Parish Council

Astley & Dunley Parish Council

Aston Subedge Parish Meeting

Badsey & Aldington Parish Council

Barnt Green Parish Council

Barnt Green Youth Parish Council

Bayton Parish Council

Beckford Parish Council

Belbroughton Parish Council

Bentley Pauncefoot Parish Council

Beoley Parish Council

Berrow Parish Council

Bewdley Town Council

Bickmarsh Parish Council

Bidford on Avon Parish Council

Birlingham Parish Council

Birmingham City Council

Birmingham City Council (Planning)

Birtsmorton Parish Council

Bishampton & Throckmorton Parish Council

Boraston Parish Meeting

Bournheath Parish Council

Bredicott Parish Meeting

Bredon & Bredon's Norton Parish Council

Bretforton Parish Council

Bridgnorth District Council (Director of Planning)

Broadheath Parish Council

Broadwas & Cotheridge Parish Council

Broadway Parish Council

Bromsberrow Parish Council

Bromsgrove District Council (6, including 1 and 2 )

Broome Parish Council

Broughton Hackett Parish Meeting

Buckland Parish Council

Burford Parish Council

Bushley Parish Council

Castlemorton Parish Council

Catshill and North Marlbrook Parish Council

Chaceley Parish Council

Chaddesley Corbett Parish Council

Charlton Parish Council

Childswickham Parish Council

Chipping Campden Town Council

Churchill & Blakedown Parish Council

Churchill Parish Council

Cleeve Prior Parish Council

Clent Parish Council

Cleobury Mortimer Parish Council

Clifton-on-Teme Parish Council

Coal Authority (3, including 1 )

Cofton Hackett Parish Council

Collington Parish Council

Colwall Parish Council

Cookhill Parish Council

Corse Parish Council

Cotswold District Council

Cradley Parish Council

Cropthorne Parish Council

Crowle Parish Council

Defford & Besford Parish Council

Dodderhill Parish Council (2)

Dodford with Grafton Parish Council

Dorsington Parish Council

Drakes Broughton & Wadborough with Pirton Parish Council

Droitwich Spa Town Council

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Dumbleton Parish Council

Earls Croome Parish Council

Eastham Parish Council

Eastnor & Donnington Parish Council

91

Eckington Parish Council

Eldersfield Parish Council

Elmbridge Parish Council

Elmley Castle Parish Council

Elmley Castle, Bricklehampton & Netherton Parish Council

Elmley Lovett Parish Council

English Heritage

English Heritage (West Midlands)

Environment Agency (3, including 1 )

Evesham Town Council

Far Forest Parish Council

Feckenham Parish Council

Finstall Parish Council

Fladbury Parish Council

Flyford Flavell, Grafton Flyford & North Piddle Parish Council

Forest of Dean District Council

Forthampton Parish Council

Frankley Parish Council

Gloucestershire County Council (2)

Great Comberton Parish Council

Great Witley & Hill Hampton Parish Council

Grimley Parish Council

Guarlford Parish Council

Hagley Parish Council

Hallow Parish Council

Hampton Charles Parish Council

Hampton Lovett & Westwood Parish Council

Hanbury Parish Council

Hanley Castle Parish Council

Hanley Parish Council

Hartlebury Parish Council

Harvington Parish Council

Hatfield & District Group Parish Council

Herefordshire Council (2, including 1 )

Highley Parish Council

Hill and Moor Parish Council

Highways Agency

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (Planning Policy and Regeneration)

Hindlip, Martin Hussingtree and Salwarpe Parish Council

Hinton-on-the Green & Somerville Parish Council

Holt Parish Council

Homes and Communities Agency (1, including 1 )

Honeybourne Parish Council

Inkberrow Parish Council

Kemerton Parish Council

Kempsey Parish Council

Kenswick & Wichenford Parish Council

Kidderminster Foreign Parish Council

Kington & Dormston Parish Council

Kinlet Parish Council

Kinver Parish Council

Knighton-on-Teme Parish Council

Knightwick & Doddenham Parish Council

Leigh and Bransford Parish Council

Leysters and Middleton-on-the-Hill Parish Council

Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council

Lindridge Parish Council

Linton Parish Council

Little Comberton Parish Council

Little Hereford Parish Council

Little Malvern & Welland Parish Council

Little Witley Parish Council

Longdon Queenhill and Holdfast Parish Council

Lower Broadheath Parish Council

Lower Sapey Parish Meeting

Madresfield Parish Council

Malvern Hills District Council (6, including 2 and 1 )

Malvern Town Council

Malvern Wells Parish Council

Mamble Parish Council

Marston Sicca (Long Marston) Parish Council

Martley Parish Council

Mathon Parish Council

Mickleton Parish Council

Milson and Neen Sollars Parish Council

National Air Traffic Services Ltd (2, including 1 )

National Grid (2)

Natural England (2, including 1 )

Naunton Beauchamp Parish Council

Network Rail (3, including 1 )

Newland Parish Council

North and Middle Littleton Parish Council

North Claines Parish Council

Northway Parish Council

Norton and Lenchwick Parish Council

Norton-Juxta-Kempsey Parish Council

Offenham Parish Council

Ombersley & Doverdale Parish Council

Overbury & Conderton Parish Council

Pebworth Parish Council

Pendock Parish Council

Pensax Parish Council

Peopleton Parish Council

Pershore Town Council

Pinvin Parish Council (2)

Powick Parish Council

Quinton Parish Council

Redditch Borough Council (6, including 2 and 2 )

Redmarley D'Abitot Parish Council

Ripple Parish Council

Rochford Parish Council

Rock Parish Council

Romsley Parish Council

Rous Lench Parish Council (2)

Rushock Parish Council

Rushwick Parish Council

Saleway Group (Himbleton, Hadzor, Oddingly, Huddington)

Saintbury Parish Meeting

Salford Priors Parish Council

Sambourne Parish Council

Sedgeberrow Parish Council

Severn Stoke and Croome d'Abitot Parish Council

92

Severn Trent Water (4, including 2 )

Shrawley Parish Council

Shropshire Council

Shropshire Council (Director of Development Services)

Snowshill Parish Meeting

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (2, including 1 )

South Lenches Parish Council

South Littleton Parish Council

South Staffordshire Council (2, including 1)

Spetchley Parish Council

St Peter's the Great County Parish Council

Staffordshire County Council (3, including 1)

Stanford with Orleton Parish Meeting

Staunton Parish Council

Stock and Bradley Green Parish Council

Stockton-on-Teme Parish Meeting

Stoke Bliss, Kyre and Bockleton Parish Council

Stoke on Trent City Council (Planning Policy)

Stoke Prior Parish Council

Stone Parish Council

Stoulton Parish Council

Stourport-on-Severn Town Council

Stratford-on-Avon District Council

Strensham Parish Council

Studley Parish Council

Suckley Parish Council

Tanworth-in-Arden Parish Council

Teddington Parish Council

Tenbury Town Council

Tewkesbury Borough Council

Tewkesbury Borough Council (Environmental Health and Housing)

The Shelsleys Parish Council

Thornbury Parish Council

Tibberton Parish Council

Tirley Parish Council

Tutnall & Cobley Parish Council

Twyning Parish Council

Upper Arley Parish Council

Upton on Severn Town Council

Upton Snodsbury Parish Council

Upton Town Council

Warndon Parish Council (2)

Warwickshire County Council

West Malvern Parish Council

West Mercia Police (Malvern, Worcester and Wychavon)

West Mercia Police (Redditch, Bromsgrove and Wyre Forest)

West Mercia Police Estates Service

West Mercia Police Headquarters

Western Power Distribution

Weston Sub Edge Parish Council

Whitbourne Parish Council

White Ladies Aston Parish Meeting

Whittington Parish Council

Wick Parish Council

Wickhamford Parish Council

Willersey Parish Council

Wolverley & Cookley Parish Council

Worcester City Council (3, including 2 and 1 )

Worcestershire County Council (Chief Executive)

Worcestershire County Council (Conservation & Landscape Officer)

Worcestershire County Council (Countryside and Access)

Worcestershire County Council (Countryside Business Manager)

Worcestershire County Council (Countryside Greenspace Manager)

Worcestershire County Council (28, including 4 and 4 )

Wychavon District Council (3, including 1 )

Wyre Forest District Council (9, including 6 and 2)

Wyre Piddle Parish Council

Wythall Parish Council

General consultees:

Agricultural Lime Association

Al Madina Islamic Centre

Avon Navigation Trust

Beckford Nature Reserve

Belbroughton History Society

Bewdley Civic Society

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority (Planning Policy)

Bredon Hill Rotary Club

British Aggregates Association

British Association for Shooting and Conservation

British Cement Association

British Ceramic Confederation

British Geological Survey

British Gliding Association

British Horse Society

British Lime Association

British Marine Aggregate Producers Association

British Ready-mixed Concrete Association

British Stone

British Telecom

British Waterways (4, including 4 )

Bromsgrove Society

Canal and River Trust

Charter Trustees of Kidderminster

Chartered Institution of Waste Management

Communities First Herefordshire and Worcestershire

93

Community First

Community Forum

Confederation of British Industry, West Midlands Region

Confederation of British Industry, Minerals Group

Confederation of UK Coal Producers

Construction Industry Research & Information Association

Cotswolds Conservation Board

CPRE

CPRE (Redditch Group)

CPRE (Worcestershire)

Crown Estate Commissioners

Cyclists' Touring Club of Great Britain

Deaf Direct

Defence Estates (Defence Infrastructure Organisation)

Defra, Rural Development Service

Department of Communities and Local Government (National Planning Casework Unit)

Department for Communities and Local Government (Policy Advisor)

Department of Energy and Climate Change

Department of Trade and Industry

Department of Transport

Diocesan Board (Worcester Church of England)

Disability Action

Droitwich History & Archaeology Society

Droitwich Spa Rotary Club

Duckworth Worcestershire Trust

East Midlands Aggregates Working Party (2, including 1 )

East of England Aggregates Working Party (2, including 1 )

Ethnic Elders Luncheon Club

European Aggregates Association

Federation of Small Businesses

Forestry Commission (2, including 2 )

Freight Transport Association (Midlands)

Friends of the Earth (Redditch)

Friends of the Earth (UK)

Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP Executive

Greater London Authority Aggregates Working Party

Health and Safety Executive

Health Protection Agency

Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce

HSE Linewatch

Industrial Minerals Association - Europe

Institute of Quarrying

Kaolin & Ball Clay Association UK

Kemerton Conservation Trust

Land Access and Recreation Association

Lickey Hills Society

London Aggregates Working Party

Longdon and Eldersfield Marsh Conservation Trust

Madinatul Uloom-Ai-Islamiya

Malvern Civic Society

Malvern Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee

Malvern Hills Conservators

Malvern Rotary Club

Micro Hydro Association

Mineral Products Association (3, including 2 )

Ministry of Defence (2, including 2 )

Mobile Operators Association

Muslim Welfare Association

National Federation of Demolition Contractors

National Stone Sand & Gravel Association

Negotiating Platform for Silica

NFU West Midlands

North East Aggregates Working Party

North Wales Aggregates Working Party

North West Aggregates Working Party

Office of Government Commerce

Older People's Forum in Droitwich Spa

Older People's Forum in Evesham

Older People's Forum in Kidderminster

Older People's Forum in Pershore

Older People's Forum in Redditch

Older People's Forum in Worcester

Open Spaces Society

Over 55's (Malvern)

Pershore Civic Society

Planning Inspectorate

Redditch Irish Society

Romsley & Hunnington History Society

Rowney Green Association

Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

Rural Hub (Chair)

Rural Hub (Director)

Salt Association (2, including 1 )

Severn Rivers Trust (2, including 1 )

Silica & Moulding Sands Association (2 including 2 )

Severn Navigation Restoration Trust

South Droitwich Residents Group

South East Aggregates Working Party

South Wales Aggregates Working Party (2)

South West Aggregates Working Party

South West Aggregates Working Party (2, including 1 )

South Worcestershire Archaeological Group

South Worcestershire Land Drainage Partnership

South Worcestershire Land Drainage Partnership (Malvern & Worcester City Area)

94

South Worcestershire Land Drainage Partnership (Wychavon Area)

Sport England (3, including 3 )

Stone Federation Great Britain

Teme Valley Biodiversity Group

Teme Valley Geological Society

The Central Mosque and Community Centre

The Ethnic Minority Redditch Group

The Inland Waterways Association (2, including 1 )

The Mining Association of the UK

The Polish Roman Catholic Community in Redditch

The Redditch Chinese Association

The Redditch Indian Association

The Rotary Club of Worcester

The Stone Federation of Great Britain

Upton-upon-Severn Civic Society

Upton-upon-Severn Rotary Club

Vale Landscape Heritage Trust

Vale of Evesham Civic Society

West Midlands Aggregates Working Party

Wildmoor Residents Association

Worcestershire Coalition of Independent Living

Worcestershire Council for Voluntary Youth Services

Worcestershire County Council (Progress in Sight Group)

Worcestershire Federation of Women's Intitutes

Worcestershire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs

Worcestershire FWAG

Worcestershire Greenpeace Network

Worcestershire Historical Society

Worcestershire LEP

Worcestershire Partnership

Worcestershire Waterways


Yorkshire and the Humber Aggregates Working Party

Other interested parties:

A Judge (member of the public)

A.E. Oscroft & Son

Accurate Cutting Services Ltd

Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd

ADAS Consulting

Adstone Construction Ltd

AECOM

Aggregate Industries UK Ltd

Allen Newport Ltd

AMEC

Armchair

Asda (Pershore)

Asda Stores Limited (Bromsgrove)

Associated Concrete Solutions Ltd

ATE Wales

Atkins Consultants

Avoncroft Museum

B Carter (member of the public)

Ballast Phoenix

Barton Willmore Partnership

Bathgate Silica Sand Ltd

BBT Thermotechnology UK Ltd

BE Group

Benniman Ltd

Berkeley Strategic Land

Berkley Contract Services Ltd

Bestco Surfacing Ltd

Betts Ecology

BIFFA Waste Services

Blaby District Council (Planning Policy)

Bloor Homes, J.S. Bloor (Services) Ltd

BNP Paribas Real Estate (2)

Borough Green Sandpits Ltd

Bovis Homes Ltd

Boyer Planning

Breedon Aggregates

Brett Group

Brian Hill Haulage & Plant Hire Ltd

Britannia Aggregates Ltd

British Library

Cannock Chase Council (Planning Policy)

C Boughton-Thomas (member of the public)

Carter Jonas

Carver Knowles

CB Richard Ellis

Cemex UK

Central Trains

Centre for Radiation Chemicals and the Environment

CENTRO

Chadwich Lane Quarry

Chadwich Lane Quarry Limited

Chambers Runfold

Charcon Construction Solutions

Cheltenham Borough Council (Planning Policy)

Cherwell District Council (Planning Policy)


Cleanaway

Colas Ltd

Co-operative Group Ltd (Ombersley Road, Worcester)

Costain Infrastructure Support Services

Cotswold Drainage Ltd

Country Land and Business

Coventry City Council (Planning Policy)

CPI Mortars

Crest Strategic Projects Ltd

Croome Estate Trust

David L Walker Ltd

David Walker Chartered Surveyors

Daventry District Council (Planning Policy)

Day Aggregates Ltd

Deme Building Materials Ltd

Derbyshire County Council (Development Plan Team)

95

Development Land & Planning Consultants Ltd

DK Symes Associates

Docklow and Hampton Wafre Parish Council

DPDS Consulting Group

Drivers Jonas Deloitte (2, including 1 )

DTZ Pieda Consulting

Dunhouse Quarry Co Ltd

E Duke (member of the public)

E Roberts (member of the public)

East Staffordshire Borough Council (Planning Policy)

EATON - Aerospace Division

Entec UK Ltd

Erith Haulage Company Ltd

Essex County Council

Eurovia Roadstone

Eutectic Co. Ltd

F Fawcett (member of the public)

F M Conway Ltd

First City, The Property Consultancy

Foxley Tagg Planning Ltd

Framptons Planning

Francis Flower

Frank P. Matthews Ltd.

Fusion Online Ltd

George Law Ltd

Gerald Eve Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants

GL Hearn Planning

Gloucester City Council (Planning Policy)

Gloucestershire Sand and Gravel Co. Ltd

Gregory Gray Associates

GRS Roadstone Ltd

Grundon Sand & Gravel Ltd

H Tuckwell & Sons Ltd

Hadley Recycling & Waste Management

Halcrow Group Ltd

Hallam Land Management

Hallmark Hulme

Hanson UK (2, including 1 )

Harborough District Council (Planning Policy)

Harleyford Aggregates Ltd

Harriet Baldwin, MP

Harris Lamb

Harris Lamb Planning Consultancy

Harsco Metals Group Ltd

Hartlebury Quarry

Heaton Planning

Hills Group

Hills Minerals and Waste Ltd

Hills Mineral & Waste

HM Prison Service

Home Builders Federation

Home Office PL (Sites and Planning Section)

Hope Conservation Trust

Hugh King & Co

Humberts

Huntsmans Quarries Ltd

Hutton Stone Co Ltd (2, including 1 )

J & J Franks Ltd

J Clubb Ltd

J Cullen Thermals Ltd

J Wainwright & Co Ltd

John Carr (Liverpool) Ltd

Joy Mining Machinery Ltd (Worcester)

JPE Holdings Ltd

K MacDonald (member of the public)

Karen Lumley, MP

Kendall Brothers (Portsmouth) Ltd

Kent Jones and Done

L Bryan (member of the public)

L.G. Harris & Co Ltd

Lafarge Aggregates Limited (2, including 1 and 1 )

Lambert Smith Hampton

Land & Mineral Management Ltd (2, including 1 )

Land & Mineral Resource Consultants Ltd

Landscape Design Associates

Lawrence Recycling

Leicester City Council (Planning Policy)

Leicestershire County Council (Minerals Developments & Policy)

Leominster Reclamation and Architectural Salvage

Lhoist UK Ltd

Lichfield District Council (Planning Policy)

Liz Lynne, MEP

Lovell Johns Ltd

Lower Severn Drainage Board

Lucas Land and Planning

M & M Timber Co. Ltd

M Biddle (member of the public)

M V Kelly Ltd

M Victory (member of the public)

Maile Skips

Malcolm Harbour, MEP

Manby & Steward

Mansfield Sand Co Ltd

Marchington Stone

Mark Garnier, MP

Marrons Solicitors

Marshalls Plc

Marwalk Developments Ltd

Mason Richards Planning

Mercia Waste Management

MetNet

MFG Solicitors

MHF UK Ltd

Mid-Essex Gravel Pits (Chelmsford) Ltd

Midland Portable Buildings

Midland Quarry Products

Mike Nattrass, MEP

Miller Homes Limited

Mineral Industry Research Organisation

Minerals Valuers Office

Monier Redland

Montagu Evans

Moorhouse Sand & Gravel Pits

Moreton C Cullimore (Gravels) Ltd

Morgan Technical Ceramics Ltd

Morris & Perry (Gurney Slade) Ltd

96

MPA Cement

Mr & Mrs GR Knowles (members of the public)

Mr Clive Narrainen (member of the public)

Mr Hickman (member of the public)

Mr P Bladon (member of the public)

Mr S Wyatt (member of the public)

Mr Shiftit

Mrs Dell (member of the public)

Mrs E Morgan (member of the public)

Mrs EM Jones (member of the public)

Mrs G Sanderson (member of the public)

Myers Group

N Inchbald (member of the public)

Nathanial Lichfield & Partners

National Trust (S Barker)

National Trust (West Midlands Regional Office)


Needham Chalks Ltd

Nicole Sinclair, MEP (2, including 1 )

Northamptonshire County Council

North Bromyard Group Parish Council

North Tewkesbury Land Consortium

North Warwickshire Borough Council (Planning Policy)

North West Leicestershire District Council (Planning Policy)

North Worcestershire Land Drainage Partnership (Wyre Forest, Redditch & Bromsgrove Area)

Northumberland Quarries

Northwood (Fareham) Ltd

Nuclear Legacy Advisory Forum

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council (Planning Policy)

Oadby and Wigston Borough Council (Planning Policy)

Oakfield Farm Products Ltd

Oakland Ecology


Overbury Estate

Oxford City Council (Planning Policy)

Oxfordshire County Council (Minerals and Waste Planning Policy)

P D Edenhall Ltd

P Knott (member of the public)

P Spalton (member of the public)

Pencroft Ltd

Peter Luff, MP

Philip Bradbourn, MEP

Phillips Planning Services Ltd

Phipps & Pritchard

Planning Issues

Powys County Council (Local Development Plan Team)

Profin Protective Finishing Limited

R C A Regeneration

R Collard Ltd

R Jenkins (member of the public)

R Latham (member of the public)

R Watkins (member of the public)

R.J.D Ltd

Rail Freight (Users & Suppliers) Group Ltd

Ramblers Association (2, including 1 )

Recycle 91

Recycling Solutions

Refined Bitumen Association

Remix Dry Mortars Ltd

Roadstone Dublin Ltd

Robert Hitchins Ltd (2, including 1 )

Robert Turley Associates Ltd

Robin Walker, MP

Rotherham Sand & Gravel Supply Co Ltd

Rowberry Group Ltd

Royal Mail

RPS Group PLC

RPS Planning

RSPB (Midlands Region)

Rugby Borough Council (Planning Policy)

RWE npower

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (2, including 1 )

S Field (member of the public)

Safeguarding, DE Operations - North

Sajid Javid, MP

Salop Sand & Gravel Supply Co Ltd

Savills

SB Heath (member of the public)

Sea Aggregates Ltd

Sewells Reservoir Construction Ltd

Sibelco UK

Singleton Birch Ltd

Smith & Sons (Bletchington) Ltd

Smiths Concrete Ltd

Smiths Gore

Social Enterprises in Waste and Recycling (SEWAR) Herefordshire & Worcestershire

Somerfield (Malvern)

Somerset Wildlife Trust

South Derbyshire District Council (Planning Services)

South Gloucestershire Council (Planning Policy)

South Northamptonshire Council (Planning Policy)

South Oxfordshire District Council (Planning Policy)

Sparc Systems Ltd

Springfield Farm Ltd

SSG Quarries

St. Modwen Developments

Stafford Borough Council (Forward Planning)

Stansgate Planning Consultants Ltd

Steetley Dolomite Ltd

Stewart Vick Associates

Strong Farms Ltd

Stroud District Council (Planning Strategy)

Strutt and Parker

Suffolk County Council (Strategic Environmental Assessment Officer)

Swindon Borough Council (Planning Policy)

97

Tamworth Borough Council (Development Plan Team)

Tarmac Group

Tarmac Ltd (3, including 1 )

Telford and Wrekin Council (Planning Policy)

Terence O'Rourke Ltd

The Bengali Group

The Bennie Group

The Bird Group of Companies Ltd

The Concrete Centre

The Cotswold Reclamation Company

The Land Trust

The National Trust

The Woodland Trust

Three Counties Planning Consultancy

Tony Rowley Associates Ltd on behalf of Lechmere Estate

Trefigin Quarries Ltd

Tudor Griffiths Group

Tweedale Ltd

United Asphalt

University of Derby Corporate

Vale of White Horse District Council (Planning Policy)

Veolia Environmental Services (UK) Plc

Vinci Construction UK

Volker Dredging Ltd

Volker Laser

W Clifford Watts Ltd

Wall James Chappell

Walsall Council (Planning Policy)

Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council

Wardell Armstrong

Warwick District Council (Planning Policy)

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

Webbs of Wychbold

Weights Farm

Welsh Assembly Government

West Midlands Conservative MEP Team

West Midlands Labour European Office

West Midlands Planning and Transportation Sub-Committee

West Oxfordshire District Council (Planning Policy)

White Young Green Planning

Whiting Landscape Ltd

Wienerberger Ltd

Wildmoor Quarry (Cinetic Sand) Ltd

Wilson Bowden PLC

Wiltshire Council (Spatial Planning)

Winchcombe Reclamation

Wolverhampton City Council (Planning Policy)

Wolverhampton City Council (Planning Services)

Woodkirk Stone

Woodland Trust

Worcester Environmental Federation

Worcester Muslim Welfare Association

Worcester Reclamation Ltd

Worcester Wildlife Trust

Worcestershire Association of Local Councils

Worcestershire Biological Records Centre

Worcestershire County Association of Local Councils

Worcestershire Regulatory Services (4, including 3 )

Worcestershire Residents Against Incineration and Landfill Committee

Wye Valley Reclamation

Wyre Forest Recycling Services Limited