Policy Context (general) |
Does the plan make reference to background research undertaken to inform the development of the policy? If so, how was this carried out? Were industry representatives involved in the process? Any obvious strengths / weaknesses in this approach? | The only structure plan which makes reference to background research is the Highland Structure Plan. It makes direct reference to the use of NPPGs and PANs in developing the policy. |
Locational Considerations: NPPG4 para 13-32 |
Safeguarding deposits |
Does the plan identify areas that are, or may be, of commercial value to the minerals industry? | The level of detail varies between plans. The Ayrshire Structure Plan provides details of the locations of sources of minerals which might be suitable for extraction. Highland Structure Plan also does this, but just for aggregates. The Tayside Structure Plan notes the range of resources in the area, but states that local plans should identify sites more precisely. Glasgow and Clyde Valley does this indirectly by noting broadly where current sites are which might be suitable for extension. Fife and Aberdeenshire do not specifically seek to define this. |
Does the plan include policies which protect deposits from development that may sterilise or hinder future extraction? | All of the Structure Plans seek to achieve this in a very clear way through specific policies. |
Does the policy aim to phase development proposals to ensure that there are sufficient opportunities for mineral extraction? | The Tayside Structure Plan makes reference in broad terms to the need to pay regard to the appropriate timing and rate of extraction. The Highland Structure Plan notes that phasing, as well as working procedure, environmental protection, restoration and aftercare should be agreed prior to development. Other plans do not make specific reference to this. |
Constraints on mineral extraction. Are impacts on international designations addressed (SPAs, SACs)? (if such designations exist within local authority area) | All of the plans make direct reference to natural heritage designations, although the extent to which this is integrated in the minerals policy section, as opposed to remaining specifically within natural heritage chapters of the plans is very limited. |
Does the policy aim to allow mineral development only in exceptional circumstances? | All of the plans took this approach to international designations. Four of the six plans note that overriding or national public interest is an exceptional circumstance. Others do not define this explicitly. |
Are exceptional circumstances defined? (no adverse impact / overriding national interest / no reasonable alternative) |
Are national designations covered (NSAs, SSSIs, etc)? | All of the plans make reference to national designations, although again this is in terms of general development as opposed to being specifically related to minerals extraction. Most of the plans apply the same level of protection to national sites as they do to internationally protected sites. Highland Structure Plan notes, however, that national sites, particularly SSSIs which cover around 20% of the area, should be viewed "within a wider framework of sustainable rural development." |
Does the policy require demonstration of maintaining the integrity of the designated area, or that effects are outweighed by national benefits? |
Does the policy make reference to the need for developers to evaluate proposals in such areas? Does it include the main criteria set out in NPPG4 for such an evaluation? |
Other areas :Are green belts covered? | The more urban plans note the importance of defining greenbelts (Ayrshire, Glasgow and Clyde Valley and Aberdeenshire), but do not make specific linkages with consideration of minerals applications. |
Are other local designations (AGLVs, SINCs) covered? | These tend to be covered, although the degree of protection varies. Fife Structure Plan makes no distinction in terms of regulation between national and local sites. Glasgow and Clyde Valley discusses regional scenic areas. Aberdeenshire covers this in detail and sets slightly less rigorous criteria to preceding designations. Tayside makes no specific reference to this, whilst Ayrshire covers them in a broader section relating to non-designated sites (see below). Again, this is covered in relation to development in general as opposed to minerals specifically. |
Are non-designated sites covered? | Most of the plans do address this (again in broad terms in relation to development, as opposed to more specific links to minerals extraction). Tayside addresses this in terms of other sites of importance in terms of archaeological, landscape or wildlife features. Ayrshire does this by linking considerations with areas defined in the LCA. Aberdeenshire notes potential importance of "other preferred areas". Glasgow and Clyde Valley notes the importance of considerations on flood plains, as well as specific upland areas (Kilpatricks and Gleniffer Braes) and the Upper Clyde Valley. |
What degree of protection is provided for such sites? Is it lower than international / national designations? | Again, this varies between plans, with most either recommending that further thought is given either at the local level of policy making or on a case by case basis. Glasgow and Clyde Valley and Fife Structure Plans afford non-designated sites the same level of protection as designated sites. Aberdeenshire notes that decisions on sites should be taken on a case by case basis. Ayrshire states that local plans should define the boundaries of locally important sites. The Highland Structure Plan follows the recommended hierarchical structure for designated sites, but also brings non-designated or locally important sites into the process. |
Do the policies on constraints aim to enhance as well as protect these areas (i.e. post NPPG4 provisions)? | In the Glasgow and Clyde Valley, Fife and Aberdeenshire Structure Plans, protection appears to be the main aim, as opposed to also including enhancement. The Highlands, Tayside and Ayrshire Plans take a more proactive approach, specifically noting the potential importance of securing enhancement. |
Are impacts of extraction on tourism and recreation covered? | The plans tend not to do this directly, although Glasgow and Clyde Valley mentions "national recreation facilities" and Fife highlights potential impacts on the area's tourist industry with regard to development in general. |
Does the policy mention tourism or recreation as an afteruse as part of post operational planning? | Highland Structure Plan is the only one which specifically mentions recreation as a potential afteruse for minerals sites. |
Does the policy aim to address extraction in close proximity to settlements? How? Does it recommend developer and community liaison? | Proximity to settlements is mentioned in the Tayside, Ayrshire Fife and Aberdeenshire. Structure Plans. None mention scope for developer and community liaison. |
Does the policy take it further, following post NPPG4 advice (e.g. provisions in NPPG16 recommending buffer zones)? | Fife does seek to achieve this by recommending a 500m buffer zone. |
Is conservation of the built heritage covered, including statutory obligations relating to scheduled monuments, listed buildings and conservation areas and their settings? Are designed landscapes, historic gardens and their setting covered? | All of the plans refer to these designations, although none do this specifically in relation to minerals extraction. |
Is the green belt covered? Is mineral development viewed as being incompatible with green belt objectives? Does it cover restoration in a green belt setting to help mitigate in such a setting? | Glasgow and Clyde Valley, Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire Structure Plans discuss the green belt in broad terms. This is likely to relate to their more urban character than Highland, Fife and Tayside. |
Is prime quality agricultural land protected? | All of the plans recognise this and protect prime land (usually subject to overriding circumstances) with the exception of the Ayrshire Structure Plan. |
Does the policy take a more flexible approach than that set out in NPPG4 (as has been emerging since 1994?) | None of the plans seek to achieve this, with perhaps the exception of the Highland Structure Plan which notes that community interests might be a valid consideration. |
Operational Considerations: NPPG4 para 33-47 |
Visual. Is there a consideration of visual impacts? Does the plan consider how extraction sites could be sited inconspicuously? Does it recommend the way in which an optimum design for working methods, transport, storage and waste disposal can be achieved? Is the policy of phased extraction in order to maximise the amount of undisturbed ground between the public and the operator part of the plan? Is the appropriate use of tree planting in order to reduce visual impacts considered? Is the aftercare policy designed to restore the areas most in public view first? | The extent of coverage varies, as does the level of specificity with regard to minerals developments. Ayrshire notes the importance of taking into account visual impacts, and Fife recommends that proposals should aim to minimise visual intrusion and impact on the landscape. The Highland Structure Plan flags this up in relation to consideration of development in general. Tayside Structure Plan highlights scope for screening minerals developments. The Aberdeenshire Structure Plan recommends that this should be considered and addressed at a local level. More detailed aspects tend not to be covered at this level. |
Noise.
Is there consideration given to the impacts of noise? Does the policy make reference to the developer controlling the noise on and off site? (e.g. noise from transportation). Is the use of physical barriers to noise compulsory as part of the plan? | The level of detail varies, although this tends to be included in criteria based policies. The Ayrshire Structure Plan specifically mentions impacts of minerals developments in terms of noise. Fife makes reference to the need to consider this as part of the minerals planning process. Highland Council notes that new developments in the vicinity of sites may be sensitive to noise. Tayside notes the need for measures to prevent pollution including noise. |
Dust
Does the plan include policies that follow the specific measures mentioned in NPPG4 with regards to the control of dust on and off site? Is the plan consistent with policy revisions in relation to dust? | The level of detail varies, although this tends to be included in criteria based policies. The Aberdeenshire Structure Plan recommends that this should be considered and addressed at a local level. The Ayrshire plan makes broad reference to this, amongst other considerations for minerals developments. Fife makes reference to the need to consider this as part of the minerals planning process. Highland Council notes that new developments in the vicinity of sites may be sensitive to this. Tayside notes the need for measures to prevent pollution including dust/air. |
Water.
Does the plan contain policies that are designed to minimise the potential impacts of mineral extraction on watercourses and groundwater? | The level of detail varies, although this tends to be included in criteria based policies. The Ayrshire Structure Plan specifically mentions impacts of minerals developments in terms of water. Fife makes reference to the need to consider this as part of the minerals planning process. Tayside notes the need for measures to prevent pollution including water. |
Transport.
Does the plan incorporate policy set out in NPPG4 that it should be an aim to minimise journeys and distance thereby reducing energy consumption and pollution? Are there policies for determining if new transport links would be needed? Are policies for maximising the use of alternatives to road transport part of the plan? | Transport is covered in some of the plans in relation to sustainability issues and the need to minimise journeys. In Aberdeenshire, "minimising the distance materials must be transported to their points of use" is part of the plan that relates to the reduction of energy consumption and pollution. In Fife, "minerals should be transported by rail, where practicable, and routing agreements for heavy goods vehicles should be secured which shall include financial provision for abnormal damage to roads" The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan supports developments specifically relating to "ports, rail freight facilities and the Airport". Taking a slightly different approach, the Tayside Structure plan focuses more on the impacts of transportation on the roads system and the environment. |
Restoration and Aftercare
Does the plan contain policy to ensure that the land used for development is made suitable for other uses at the earliest opportunity? Is there policy for the phased restoration of land during the extraction phase? Is consideration given to the extraction of secondary minerals during the initial extraction, if not, does policy give regard to this possibility in the future? Does the policy refer to the use of bonds during the restoration process? | This is covered to varying levels, but is mainly confined to a strategic commitment, as opposed to more detailed policy recommendations. The Aberdeenshire plan states that it is the responsibility of the Local Plan to determine the standards for "restoration and aftercare". Tayside also makes broad reference to this as part of criteria based policy. Ayrshire seeks to achieve this in a less direct way, by mentioning landscape and habitat enhancement. Fife is more specific about the issue, noting the importance of bonds. The Highland Structure Plan also covers the importance of restoration and the need for financial guarantees to be secured as part of the process. |
Environmental Monitoring
Does the plan contain policy for regular monitoring and the preparation of environmental audits by the operator? | Most of the plans do not refer to this. The Fife plan goes some way towards this by mentioning it in relating to restoration and aftercare. |
Policy Guidelines for Individual Minerals: NPPG4 para 48-87 |
Aggregate Minerals Does the plan contain a policy to define and to ensure an 'adequate and steady supply'? | This is mainly covered in relation specifically to the landbank within most of the plans. |
Is there an identification of a 10-year 'landbank' supply? | Most of the plans discuss landbanks although the length of supply varies according to the area and type of mineral. The Aberdeenshire Structure Plan contains policy stating that a landbank identifying a 10 year supply of sand and gravel and a 20 year supply of hard rock has been identified. The Ayrshire Structure Plan states a commitment to defining a 10 year landbank for aggregate minerals. This has partly been achieved in the Fife Structure Plan: a 10-year supply was identified in its Strategy for Crushed Rock Aggregate (SCRA) that would last until at least the end of 2002, and the supply of aggregates, sand and gravel supply will be part of the Minerals Subject Local Plan. Highland Council undertook a survey in 1995/96 from which it was determined that "on a Highland wide perspective, sand and gravel reserves stand at about 14 years supply and crushed rock reserves at around 17 years." The only exception is Tayside Structure Plan which predates NPPG4 and makes only broad reference to supply issues. For the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Structure Plan, a study in 1997 concluded that there was a "sufficient" supply to last until the year 2012. |
Does the plan define what is regarded as 'appropriate local market areas' for the supply of aggregates? | In Ayrshire, the three Ayrshire councils comprise the local market area (the area covered by the structure plan). Fife and the Glasgow and Clyde Valley (again structure plan areas) are defined as market areas in their respective plans. No mention is made specifically of this in the other plans. |
Are there policies within the plan for cooperation/joint-working between authorities? | None of the structure plans explicitly mention this. |
Secondary Aggregates Is there any provision made within the plan for the reworking of mineral waste deposits? Is there any plan policy for the use of recycled demolition and construction wastes? | Three of the plans refer to this. In Ayrshire, the only policy that can be seen to relate to the reworking of mineral deposits is that consideration will be given to the "availability of alternative supplies" This was probably intended to refer to alternative new workings but could include waste deposits. Fife supports this more strongly, stating that mineral extraction proposals will only be supported if "the need cannot be met from recycling or secondary sources, or by use of more sustainable sourced alternative materials." Highland Council notes that this may become more attractive as a result of Aggregates Tax, and specifically mentions recycling of Caithness flagstone and flag bing waste (which is already being utilised). |
Does the policy make any distinction between on and off site aggregates recycling? Are any areas that may be suitable for the storage of these deposits / wastes identified? | None of the plans go into this level of detail. |
Marine Dredged Minerals
Is the potential for using marine dredged minerals explored in the plan? | None of the plans refer to marine dredged minerals. |
Coastal Superquarries (if applicable i.e. Highland, Shetland and Western Isles only) Does the plan contain policy regarding Coastal Superquarries: Particularly does it identify areas that have suitable geology and marine environments? | Highland is the only Structure Plan referring to coastal superquarries. Fuller discussion of this is included in the main body of the text. |
If there is a policy within the plan, does it contain guidelines for minimising the impacts that a quarry could have on the local area as outlined in NPPG4? |
How far does it go towards emphasising the positive aspects of superquarries? |
Non-Aggregate Construction Minerals. Does the plan identify areas that have potential for extraction of non-aggregate minerals? | The Ayrshire Structure Plan makes broad reference to "other minerals" but notes that more information is required on them. The Fife plan also broadly notes that supplies currently exist. The Highland Structure Plan notes that the area contains significant reserves of dimension and ornamental stone (e.g. Caithness Flagstone) for which it is anticipated there will be a significant upsurge in demand due to the increase in quality of urban design projects. |
If so, does the plan contain safeguards against the development of areas that have been identified as potential sites of extraction? | This tends to be covered in more general policies safeguarding all types of minerals. |
Coal
Does the plan take the advice of NPPG4, which states that deep mined coal should only be extracted when market forces demand it, and it can be done in an environmentally acceptable way? | No plans make reference to this. |
Oil and Gas
Does the plan identify any potential areas of extraction: If so does the plan facilitate the economic extraction of this oil or gas with due environmental care? | No plans make reference to this. |
Peat
Is the distinction between domestic and commercial cutting made within the plan? | None of the plans explicitly make this assumption. In the Highland Structure Plan, domestic peat cutting is not explicitly mentioned but there is a general presumption against commercial peat cutting for fuel as efforts are being made to "find alternative sources of energy, such as wind, biomass and wave energy." The Plan notes that there is an extraction site that is used for horticultural uses near Inverness that is still commercially active. |
Does the plan identify areas that have been deemed of low conservation / archaeological value that may be suitable for future development? | The Ayrshire Structure Plan states that Local Plans "shall identify areas of low conservation or archaeological interest which may be suitable for peat extraction" In the Highland Structure Plan, policy states that areas that have previously been used for extraction (Westerdale and Camster in Caithness) could be reopened in the future if necessary. The plan states that any new areas for extraction would need to be of "low conservation and archaeological and water catchment management value" before it would be considered for working |
Does the policy reflect growing concern about peat extraction with regard to its conservation value? | The Highland Structure Plan follows the NPPG4 recommendation of consulting SNH and recognising that there is growing concern about peat extraction. |
Metalliferrous and other Specialised Minerals
Is it the plan policy to safeguard any resources of metalliferrous or other specialised minerals against permanent development? | Reference is made within the Highland Structure Plan to deposits of Barytes and Mica that are at present not economically viable but may be at some point in the future. There are no specific policies for the protection of these sites but the same policies to prevent sterilisation apply. |
Policy Context (general) |
Does the plan make reference to background research undertaken to inform the development of the policy? If so, how was this carried out? Were industry representatives involved in the process? Any obvious strengths / weaknesses in this approach? | Lochaber, South Lanarkshire and Perth and Kinross Highland Area Local Plans make direct reference to the national planning policy and guidance which set the context for developing the plan. |
Locational Considerations: NPPG4 para 13-32 |
Safeguarding deposits | |
Does the plan identify areas that are, or may be, of commercial value to the minerals industry? | East Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and Lochaber Local Plans set out existing reserves of all minerals etc. in considerable detail. North East Fife makes reference to sand and gravel reserves. This is not included in the Perth and Kinross Highland Area Local Plan. |
Does the plan include policies which protect deposits from development that may sterilise or hinder future extraction? | All of the areas provide for this except for the Perth and Kinross Highland Area Local Plan which refers to structure plan policy which does so. |
Does the policy aim to phase development proposals to ensure that there are sufficient opportunities for mineral extraction? | None of the plans refer to phasing extraction in this context. |
Constraints on mineral extraction Are impacts on international designations addressed (SPAs, SACs)? (if such designations exist within local authority area) Does the policy aim to allow mineral development only in exceptional circumstances? Are exceptional circumstances defined? (no adverse impact / overriding national interest / no reasonable alternative) | Some of the plans set out principles for development in relation to internationally designated sites outwith the minerals section with regard to development in general. The Lochaber and two minerals plans (Fife and South Lanarkshire) relate this more directly to minerals developments. In East Ayrshire, developments in these areas have an "overriding presumption against them" but will be permitted in exceptional circumstances such as overriding public interest. The Lochaber Local Plan states a presumption against development entirely. The South Lanarkshire Plan notes the use of the precautionary principle in such areas. |
Are national designations covered (NSAs, SSSIs, etc)? Does the policy require demonstration of maintaining the integrity of the designated area, or that effects are outweighed by national benefits? Does the policy make reference to the need for developers to evaluate proposals in such areas? Does it include the main criteria set out in NPPG4 for such an evaluation? | The East Ayrshire plan protects these areas slightly less stringently than international designations. Criteria relate directly to those recommended in NPPG4. The South Lanarkshire Plan makes more specific provisions, noting criteria for assessing proposals. Other plans do not make direct links between the designations and minerals. |
Other areas :Are green belts covered? | None of the plans cover this in relation to minerals developments. |
Are other local designations (AGLVs, SINCs) covered? | The level of detail varies, but most plans cover local sites. South Lanarkshire notes the importance of locally designated sites, including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, LBAPs, Wildlife Corridors and SINCs. In East Ayrshire, Listed Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves are designated and protected again separately from the minerals policies. In Fife, the Regional Park is specifically mentioned. The Lochaber Local Plan mentions local nature reserves. |
Are non designated sites covered? | In East Ayrshire, linear features such as rivers and hedgerows are protected from development "likely to adversely affect them" and where development is approved, measures should be taken to safeguard the habitats or provide for replacement habitats where damage is unavoidable. |
What degree of protection is provided for such sites?
Is it lower than international / national designations? | Most of the plans attribute lower levels of protection to local sites, although the rigor tends to vary from plan to plan. |
Do the policies on constraints aim to enhance as well as protect these areas (i.e. post NPPG4 provisions)? | Three of the plans refer to enhancement. East Ayrshire sets out a broad commitment to this. The Fife Minerals Local Plan refers to scope for tree planting and the need to liaise with SWT to identify scope for benefits. The Lochaber Local Plan covers enhancement in relation to a specific quarry. |
Are impacts of extraction on tourism and recreation covered?
Does the policy mention tourism or recreation as an afteruse as part of post operational planning? | The East Ayrshire Local Plan covers this in relation to potential future tourism opportunities, and impacts on existing tourism. In the South Lanarkshire Plan, consideration is given to the safeguarding and enhancement of main tourist routes and areas used for recreational purposes. The impacts on public access to the countryside are also considered. The Lochaber Local Plan covers impacts on residential properties, again in relation to a specific quarry. The other plans do not try to cover this specifically in relation to minerals developments. |
Does the policy aim to address extraction in close proximity to settlements?
How? Does it recommend developer and community liaison? | All of the plans cover impacts on residential properties, although the extent of controls and additional recommendations varies. East Ayrshire covers this in terms of impacts, and goes further to note the potential role of liaison committees. The Lochaber plan does not specifically cover this (although this is likely to be a result of the characteristics of the area as much as anything else). |
Does the Plan take it further, following post NPPG4 advice (e.g. provisions in NPPG16 recommending buffer zones)? | South Lanarkshire sets a 500m "buffer zone" for the extraction of minerals with blasting. The East Ayrshire Local Plan refers to "an appropriate distance" between workings and residential properties. |
Is conservation of the built heritage covered, including statutory obligations relating to scheduled monuments, listed buildings and conservation areas and their settings?
Are designed landscapes, historic gardens and their setting covered? | The South Lanarkshire plan covers this specifically in relation to minerals. There is no mention of this in the North East Fife Minerals Local Plan. The other plans refer to these sites but in much broader terms. |
Is the green belt covered? Is minerals development viewed as being incompatible with green belt objectives? Does it cover restoration in the green belt to help mitigate in such a setting? | None of the plans mention this specifically in relation to minerals. |
Is prime quality agricultural land protected?
Does the policy take a more flexible approach than that set out in NPPG4 (as has been emerging since 1994)? | All of the plans have clear policies in relation to protection of land, but there is little mention of more recent discussions. |
Operational Considerations: NPPG4 para 33-47 |
Visual.
Is there a consideration of visual impacts?
Does the plan consider how extraction sites could be sited inconspicuously? | All of the plans mention this as a general principle for minerals proposals, but few go into detail about measures for amelioration. Following its site specific emphasis, the Lochaber plan notes that this is an issue in relation to two specific sites. |
Does it recommend the way in which an optimum design for working methods, transport, storage and waste disposal can be achieved?
Is the policy of phased extraction to maximise the amount of undisturbed ground between the public and the operator part of the plan? | None of the plans appear to address this in any detail, although the South Lanarkshire plan discusses scope for phasing to reduce impacts amongst a range of measures. |
Is the appropriate use of tree planting in order to reduce visual impacts considered? | The level of specificity varies. The North East Fife plan is very supportive of the use of trees for screening mineral workings "to provide an effective screen, trees, hedges and shrubs must be planted well before extraction commences." The Lochaber and Perth and Kinross Highland Area plans refer to screening more generally. Appropriate design and progressive screening are mentioned in the South Lanarkshire Plan. |
Is the aftercare policy designed to restore the areas most in public view first? | This is referred to more in the minerals specific plans. The South Lanarkshire and North East Fife plans notes scope for phasing restoration but does not specifically associated this with restoring areas which are in public view first. |
Noise
Is there consideration given to the impacts of noise? Does the policy make reference to the developer controlling the noise on and off site? (e.g. noise from transportation
Is the use of physical barriers to noise compulsory as part of the plan? | Perth and Kinross and East Ayrshire Local Plans note potential impacts. The South Lanarkshire Minerals Local Plan probably covers this more fully, as does the North East Fife Local Plan, both of which discuss potential impacts and scope for mitigation. |
Dust
Does the plan include policies that follow the specific measures mentioned in NPPG4 with regards to the control of dust on and off site?
Is the plan consistent with policy revisions in relation to dust? | Again, East Ayrshire and Perth and Kinross Highland Area Local Plans cover this in terms of potential impacts. As with noise policy, South Lanarkshire and North East Fife cover this in more detail, noting scope for monitoring etc. |
Water.
Does the plan contain policies that are designed to minimise the potential impacts of mineral extraction on watercourses and groundwater? | As with other impacts, the minerals specific plans cover this in more detail than the wider local plans (wherein there is little specific mention). |
Transport.
Does the plan incorporate policy set out in NPPG4 that it should be an aim to minimise journeys and distance thereby reducing energy consumption and pollution?
Are there policies for determining if new transport links would be needed?
Are policies for maximising the use of alternatives to road transport part of the plan? | Transport and associated sustainability issues are relatively well covered. East Ayrshire and Perth and Kinross Highland Area cover the potential impacts and aim to encourage reducing journey length and use of rail where possible. The Lochaber Plan covers transport in relation to a specific site. The South Lanarkshire Local Plan perhaps goes the furthest, stating a condition that the most environmentally friendly means of transport is employed for the transportation of the minerals from site, heavily favouring rail and recommending reinstatement of associated infrastructure. |
Restoration and Aftercare
Does the plan contain policy to ensure that the land used for development is made suitable for other uses at the earliest opportunity?
Is there policy for the phased restoration of land during the extraction phase?
Is consideration given to the extraction of secondary minerals during the initial extraction, if not, does policy give regard to this possibility in the future?
Does the policy refer to the use of bonds during the restoration process? | This is mentioned, at least as a key principle, in most of the plans, with the exception of the Perth and Kinross Highland Area Local Plan which defines it as a structure plan policy. Similarly, all of the plans except the Perth and Kinross Highland Area Local Plan mention the importance of bonds associated with plans for restoration. |
Environmental Monitoring
Does the plan contain policy for regular monitoring and the preparation of environmental audits by the operator? | This is particularly well covered in two of the plans. East Ayrshire cover this well, noting that it is a condition for the granting of permission for extraction for the developers "to submit regular monitoring and annual 'Mining Progress Plans' and 'Environmental Audits' to the council in respect of their proposals". According to the South Lanarkshire Minerals Local Plan, developers will be expected to assist the council with the costs of regular monitoring of noise, dust and vibration levels and they will be required to present annual "Progress Plans" that give up to date information on the position of the mineral workings (it is worth noting that there was extensive industry objection to this policy during the consultation process which has yet to be resolved). The other plans do not mention it specifically. |
Policy Guidelines for Individual Minerals: NPPG4 para 48-87 |
Aggregate Minerals
Does the plan contain a policy to define and to ensure an 'adequate and steady supply'?
Is there an identification of a 10-year 'landbank' supply?
Does the plan define what is regarded as 'appropriate local market areas' for the supply of aggregates?
Are there policies within the plan for cooperation/joint-working between authorities? | The approach, and level of detail provided under this requirement varies considerably between the plans. Ayrshire notes that a 10 year landbank will be defined, and the market area is essentially the structure plan area. As in Ayrshire, the South Lanarkshire Minerals Local Plan refers to research and decisions on the landbank at the structure plan level. The North East Fife also recognises the issue of supply and their intention to define a landbank. The Lochaber Plan notes that the council conducted an mineral survey in 1995/96 which concluded that Lochaber had a 47 year supply of sand and gravel and a 9 year supply of crushed rock and that "rock resources can be augmented by specific short term minerals permissions relating to a particular construction project." There is little coverage within the Perth and Kinross Highland Area Local Plan, with only broad references. |
Secondary Aggregates
Is there any provision made within the plan for the reworking of mineral waste deposits?
Is there any plan policy for the use of recycled demolition and construction wastes?
Does the policy make any distinction between on and off site aggregates recycling?
Are any areas that may be suitable for the storage of these deposits / wastes identified? | East Ayrshire mentions the extraction of fireclay (past and predicted) in association with open cast sites and specifically aims to encourage this as a principle of the plan. The North East Fife Plan indirectly supports it by prioritising 'alternative sources' above new extraction. The South Lanarkshire Minerals Local Plan notes that developers are encouraged to re-use any waste or low grade material arising from mineral extraction at existing sites. |
Marine Dredged Minerals
Is the potential for using marine dredged minerals explored in the plan? | No references within the plans. |
Coastal Superquarries (if applicable i.e. Highland, Shetland and Western Isles only)
Does the plan contain policy regarding Coastal Superquarries. Particularly, does it identify areas that have suitable geology and marine environments?
If there is a policy within the plan, does it contain guidelines for minimising the impacts that a quarry could have on the local area as outlined in NPPG4?
How far does it go towards emphasising the positive aspects of superquarries? | The Lochaber plan notes that the area already contains a superquarry located at Glensanda in Morvern. It states that it is the Scottish Office (now Executive) policy to disperse superquarries around Scotland therefore making it impossible to develop another one in the local plan area. This has led to the plan stating that there is a "presumption against a further large scale quarry in Lochaber including Kentallen, unless exceptional circumstances should apply". |
Non-Aggregate Construction Minerals.
Does the plan identify areas that have potential for extraction of non-aggregate minerals?
If so, does the plan contain safeguards against the development of areas that have been identified as potential sites of extraction? | East Ayrshire highlights reserves of limestone but does not anticipate extraction in the immediate future. Similarly, South Lanarkshire incorporates this within a wider evaluation of supplies. All of the plans apply a safeguarding policy consistently across all of the minerals types. |
Coal
Does the plan take the advice of NPPG4, which states that deep mined coal should only be extracted when market forces demand it, and it can be done in an environmentally acceptable way? | The North East Fife Plan states that "proposals for deep mining must be part of the long term strategy agreed with British Coal or its successors and justified in the national interest". |
Oil and Gas
Does the plan identify any potential areas of extraction? If so, does the plan facilitate the economic extraction of this oil or gas with due environmental care? | The North East Fife Plan states that proposals "will require to be very carefully considered against the general policies of this Plan and relevant policies in other local plans" and it states that "production wells, gathering stations and oil and gas terminals are unlikely to be permitted where their presence would be contrary to the general policies of the local plan" |
Peat
Is the distinction between domestic and commercial cutting made within the plan? Does the plan identify areas that have been deemed of low conservation / archaeological value that may be suitable for future development? Does the policy reflect growing concern about peat extraction with regard to its conservation value? | The Lochaber, South Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire Plans reflect the advised commitment to work with SNH. |
Metalliferrous and other Specialised Minerals
Is it the plan policy to safeguard any resources of metalliferrous or other specialised minerals against permanent development? | There is little specific mention of other minerals in the plans. |