Decision details

To agree to consult on the Issues and Options Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

That the Issues and Options for the Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Plan be approved for the purposes of public consultation.

That the Chief Officer: Planning Transport and Countryside in consultation with the Executive member for Planning and Transport,  be authorised to make any minor amendments necessary to the Issues and Options for the Central and Eastern Berkshire Joint Minerals and Waste Plan, prior to public consultation.

It is important that the Council has an up to date and robust planning framework to guide development which reflects current national policy and guidance. The preparation of the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan will ensure that this is in place.

The joint plan must be prepared in consultation with the local community and other stakeholders. This consultation will allow early engagement to help inform the next stage of the Plan.  Preparation of the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan will support the priorities as set out in the Council Plan 2015–2019, in particular; ‘A clean, green, growing and sustainable place’.

The Council could have sought to provide plan coverage for Minerals and Waste in its Comprehensive Local Plan, rather than preparing a separate plan, however due to the strategic nature on Minerals and Waste issues this was ruled out at an early stage.  Creating a joint plan creates economies of scale and enables the council to deal with Minerals and Waste issues strategically.

The four authorities could have sought to undertake informal Regulation 18 consultation without a formal Issues and Options stage, however due to the length of time between plans it is felt important to fully engage at an early stage in plan development so all interested parties are aware of the issues and options that are before the four authorities.

None.