ANGUS LOCAL PLAN REVIEW FINALISED PLAN - Angus Council

Minerals3.65 Mineral deposits are finite and valuable natural resources ofnational and strategic importance which can make a significantcontribution to the Angus economy. However, mineral extraction andassociated activity can affect the landscape, heritage andenvironment of the area and the residential amenity of properties andcommunities adjacent to operational sites.3.66 NPPG4: Land for Mineral Working (1994) and the UK Strategyfor Sustainable Development both promote a positive framework formineral extraction. Accordingly, the extraction of mineral resourcesshould only be considered where it is required to maintain an effectivelandbank equivalent to 10 years supply and construction materialcannot be obtained from more sustainable or less environmentallydamaging sources. The use of recycled or secondary minerals canboth prolong the life of existing quarrying operations and reduce therequirement to establish new sites. Proposals for mineral extractionshould avoid the most sensitive and vulnerable areas of Angusthrough application of a sequential approach (Policy ER38) to theselection of sites for mineral development.3.67 Development proposals for hard rock or sand and gravelextraction in Angus will be considered in the context of the guidanceprovided by the Dundee and Angus Structure Plan and the AngusMineral and Waste Landfill Audit (2001).NPPG4: Land for MineralWorking (1994)A sustainable framework formineral extraction should seek:• To conserve minerals asfar as possible, whileensuring an adequate supplyto meet the needs of societyfor minerals.• To minimise production ofwaste and to encourageefficient use of materials,including appropriate use ofmaterials and recycling ofwastes.• To encourage sensitiveworking practices duringminerals extraction and topreserve or enhance theoverall quality of theenvironment once extractionhas ceased.• To protect designated areasof critical landscape or naturequality from development,other than in exceptionalcircumstances where it hasbeen demonstrated thatdevelopment is in the publicinterest.Policy ER31 : MineralsAngus Council will seek to conserve existing mineral reserveswithin Angus taking account of market demand and promotingthe use of recycled and secondary minerals.Proposals for mineral extraction will only be permitted where itcan be demonstrated that:a) development is justified to maintain an effective 10 yearland bank for construction aggregates and that themarket requirement cannot be met from existingrenewable, recycled or secondary sources;b) the development conforms to a sequential considerationof international, national and locally important planningdesignations established by Policy ER38;c) proposals for land restoration, aftercare and after use aresatisfactory. Where considered necessary and prior to thecommencement of development Angus Council willrequire a bond to cover the cost of an agreed scheme forthe restoration, aftercare and after-use of the site;d) the roads leading to and from the site are capable ofaccommodating the type and volume of heavy trafficmovements generated by the development;Angus Local Plan Review82Finalised Plan