The ten Greater Manchester Authorities; Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan are working together to prepare a Joint Minerals Development Plan Document (Minerals Plan). The Minerals Plan will provide a sound, sub-regional, planning policy framework that provides a clear guide to minerals operators and the public about:
- The locations where mineral extraction may take place;
- The safeguarding of sensitive environmental features and of mineral resources with potential for future extraction; and
- All aspects of environmental and resource protection including the sustainable transportation of minerals.
The Plan will form an integral part of Wigan’s Local Development Framework.
A planning team located within the Greater Manchester Geological Unit (GMGU) is responsible for all aspects of Plan production and consultation, with assistance from the Greater Manchester authorities as necessary.
Preparation of the Minerals Plan commenced in November 2009. The first stage of consultation focused on evidence base information and Scoping Report for Sustainability Appraisal. The outcomes from this initial stage are available on the Greater Manchester Minerals Plan website (external link).
The third consultation on the Minerals Plan seeks views on the options for defining Mineral Safeguarding Areas for:
- Glaciofluvial sand and gravel;
- Carboniferous Millstone Grit (Sandstone);
- Brick clay;
- Peat; and
- Surface mined coal (shallow coal) and fireclay.
It also seeks any further information on mineral resources that stakeholders may have.
The report can be found on the Greater Manchester Minerals Plan website (external link) (go to 'Documents' page where report is listed at bottom of page) betweeen Friday 6 August and Friday 27 August 2010. Please email your comments on the report to planningteam@gmmineralsplan.co.uk.
Who to contact
To find out more about the Minerals Plan and how to get involved in future consultations please visit the Joint Mineral Plan website (external link), or alternatively contact:
Planning Team
GMGU
Emerson House
Albert Street
Eccles
Manchester
M30 0TE
Telephone: 0161 779 6182
Email: planningteam@gmmineralsplan.co.uk
