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West Sussex Joint Minerals Local Plan

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

 

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