Minerals Policy Statements (MPSs) set out the policies and considerations that the Government expects Mineral Planning Authorities (MPAs) to follow in preparing minerals and waste development schemes as part of local development frameworks and in considering applications for minerals development.

After a period of consultation, Minerals Policy Statement 2 (MPS2) has finally been published (March 2005), together with technical annexes dealing with ‘dust’ and ‘noise’.

MPS2 sets out the policies and considerations in relation to the environmental effects of minerals extraction that the Government expects MPAs in England to follow when preparing development plans and when considering applications for minerals development. This guidance supersedes Minerals Planning Guidance Note 11 (MPG11) and must also be taken into account by mineral operators and their professional advisers when drawing up proposals for new or extensions to existing planning permissions.

Exploitation of the UK’s mineral resources contributes to the nation’s prosperity and quality of life. The supply of essential materials for the construction, energy supply, manufacturing and other industries enables social and economic progress. Mineral working can be beneficial by providing employment, clearing areas of dereliction, dealing with instability and providing materials that facilitate redevelopment and the creation of sustainable communities and infrastructure. However, mineral working also impacts on the environment, and since minerals can only be worked where they are found – potentially in environmentally sensitive areas and/or in close proximity to communities – the need to keep these impacts to an acceptable minimum is a high priority.

MPS2 sets out how MPAs should minimise any significant adverse environmental effects that may arise from minerals extraction. Local authorities can achieve this through framing policies in development plans, considering planning applications and considering reviews of planning consents under the provisions of the Environment Act 1995.

The guidance makes it clear that industries involving similar processes to mineral extraction, for example recycling, construction and waste disposal, should take into account the relevant elements of the Statement in planning their own development proposals.

For further information on how these policies might affect your development proposals or any other advice relating to mineral, waste or recycling please contact Michael Metcalfe, Tel 01939 210120, email michael.metcalfe@carterjonas.co.uk.