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 latest consultation examines the Issues and Options surrounding minerals in Greater Manchester. The Issues and Options Report is available online for comment on the Greater Manchester Minerals Plan website (external link) from 17 February until 31 March 2010.
The documents are available online (external link) for comment until 8 January 2010.
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
