Final stage in the preparation of the Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset Mineral Sites Plan
The Mineral Sites Plan, once adopted, will include site allocations and policies to maintain mineral production in the future. This includes sites for quarrying sand and gravel, crushed rock and building stone. The Plan should ensure that we protect Dorset’s environment whilst building a sustainable economy for the future.
Over the last six months an examination has been taking place to assess whether the Mineral Sites Plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements. This included, a series of public hearing sessions during 27 September to 3 October 2018, with an additional hearing session held on 14 February 2019.
The Mineral Sites Plan includes sites allocations for five Purbeck Stone quarries and an extension to Swanworth Quarry. A series of modifications are proposed to the Mineral Sites Plan to ensure that the impacts of development are mitigated to an acceptable level in relation to the historic environment, access, landscape and restoration, as appropriate to each site.
Modifications are proposed to remove two further Purbeck Stone site allocations. Downs Quarry has been removed to reflect the fact that Planning Permission has been granted. Gallows Gore has also been removed as it has been withdrawn by the site promoter.
Between 9th May and 20th June stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment on the modifications that arose through the examination process.
For more information, go to www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/mineral-sites or call 01305 228585/224675
Following the consultation, the modifications will be passed to the Inspector who will consider them when preparing the final report. The Councils then hope to adopt the Plan later in 2019.