West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan
All Mineral Planning Authorities are required, by law, to develop plans for mineral provision. In May 2011, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) and the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) agreed to work together in partnership to prepare a new Joint Minerals Local Plan (MLP) for the whole of West Sussex – both in and outside the new National Park.
The Joint Minerals Local Plan will replace the existing Minerals Local Plan (2003) and cover the period to 2033. It sets out a strategy for mineral development across West Sussex, safeguards resources, allocates a site considered suitable for the production of minerals, and includes a range of land use-specific and generic policies to sustainably manage future mineral development.
The Minerals Local Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State and the end of May 2017 and is currently at examination. Inspector Jonathan Manning BSc (Hons) MA MRTPI was appointed to conduct the examination to determine whether the plan is ‘sound’, and hearings took place in September 2017. A consultation will take place on proposed modifications to the plan from 15 January to 09 March 2018. Further information on this Plan and its examination is available from the West Sussex County Council website.
Once the West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan is adopted, the Plan will provide a basis for consistent land-use planning decisions on planning applications for minerals activities.
What is the timetable for the Joint Minerals Local Plan?
Producing a Plan is a long process because it has to be evidence-based and robust.
Stage | Date |
---|---|
Early engagement work inc: Background Papers, Site Assessment | June – December 2014 |
Draft Plan Consultation | April – June 2016 |
Proposed Submission Consultation | November 2016 – January 2017 |
Submission to Secretary of State | May 2017 |
Examination in Public | May 2017 – March 2018 |
Modifications Representations period (where necessary) | January – March 2018 |
Inspector’s Report | April 2018 |
Adoption | Spring/ Summer 2018 |