Mineral resource information for development plans Staffordshire : resources and constraints

This report has been prepared to be used in conjunction with the Mineral Resources Maps of Staffordshire. The principal aim of the report and its associated maps is to show the broad distribution of mineral resources of current or potential economic interest in Staffordshire and to relate these to selected, nationally-recognised planning constraints on extraction of minerals. The work is intended to assist in the consideration and preparation of development plan policies in respect of mineral extraction and the protection of important mineral resources. Development plans set out the main considerations on which planning applications are determined, and they therefore form the essential framework of the planning system. The importance of the development plan system in planning decisions is emphasised by Section 54A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, which requires that planning applications and appeals be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The planning system is therefore a plan-led system. Development plan preparation must take account of Government guidance. This is primarily set out in Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPGs), Mineral Planning Guidance notes (MPGs) and Regional Planning Guidance notes (RPGs). These provide advice on a range of general and specific issues. The ‘development plan’ includes structure plans, which contain strategic planning policies, and local plans, containing detailed policies and proposals, or unitary development plans, which combine both functions. In addition, relevant authorities must produce local plans on minerals and waste. Information on mineral resources is required to assist the production of mineral local plans by the identification of important resources and the planning constraints which may affect such resources. This information is also necessary for the preparation of structure, local and unitary plans, both in relation to mineral development and the prevention of the sterilisation of important mineral resources. Three major elements of information are presented and described: • the geological distribution and importance of mineral resources • the extent of mineral planning permissions and the location of current mineral workings • the extent of selected planning constraints (national statutory designations) The maps thus bring together a wide range of information, much of which is scattered and not always available in a consistent and convenient form. It is anticipated that the maps and report will also provide valuable background data for a much wider audience, including the different sectors of the minerals industry, other agencies and authorities (e.g. The Planning Inspectorate, the Coal Authority, the NRA, the Countryside Commission and English Nature), environmental interests and the general public.