| answer text |
<p>Aggregate mineral surveys have been regularly undertaken by the Government since
1973. These provide an in-depth assessment of national and sub-national sales, inter-regional
flows, transportation, consumption and permitted reserves of primary aggregates. The
survey provides comprehensive data for monitoring and facilitating aggregates provision
at a local, regional and national level.</p><p>The National Planning Policy Framework
(NPPF) recognises that it is essential that there is a sufficient supply of minerals
to provide the infrastructure, buildings, energy and goods that the country needs.
It is clear that as minerals are a finite natural resource, best use needs to be made
of them to secure their long term conservation. This is why mineral planning authorities
are required to safeguard mineral resources through their planning policies, by defining
Mineral Safeguarding Areas and Mineral Consultation Areas. Furthermore, the NPPF is
clear that local planning authorities should not normally permit other development
proposals in Mineral Safeguarding Areas if it might constrain potential future use
for mineral working.</p>
|
|
