« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
THE REVIEW OF NPPG4 LAND FOR MINERAL WORKING
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. National Planning Policy Guideline 4 (NPPG) 4 was published in 1994 and provided the first comprehensive statement of planning policy in relation to the working of minerals in Scotland. The guidance seeks to ensure an adequate and steady supply of minerals to meet the needs of Society, without compromising Scotland's unique natural heritage. Whilst the NPPG forms part of a wider 'family' of guidance including Planning Advice Notes (PANs) and Circulars, with the exception of opencast coal and related minerals, NPPG4 remains the key source of minerals policy guidance for planning authorities in Scotland.
1.2. As the planning system has to be responsive to environmental, economic, social and political changes, the regular review of national planning guidance is essential. Land Use Consultants (LUC) was commissioned by the Scottish Executive to determine the need for a review of the guidance relating to minerals working in Scotland.
1.3. The research was undertaken over the period April-September 2001.
1.4. Section 2 of the report describes the research methodology and section 3 discusses the need for review. Sections 4-11 are structured around the main topic areas associated with the content and implementation of NPPG4:
- clarity of policy intentions and overall ease of use (section 4);
- interpretation of 'sustainability' (section 5);
- locational and operational considerations (section 6);
- guidelines for primary aggregates (section 7);
- guidelines for recycled and secondary aggregates (section 8);
- guidelines for other minerals (section 9);
- development plans (section 10); and
- development control (section 11).
1.5. Section 12 outlines the key findings of the research and our recommendations for potential review.
« Previous | Contents | Next »