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The county council is responsible for the review of old
mineral planning permissions and the regular review of all mineral
permissions. The review procedure ensures that all old mineral
permissions are operated to modern environmental
standards.
The Environment Act 1995 introduced new requirements for an
initial review and updating of old mineral planning permissions and
the periodic review (every 15 years) of all permissions
thereafter.
Why the reviews are needed
Mineral working is different from other forms of development. It
can take place only where minerals occur and although a temporary
use of the land, it can last for many years and have a profound
effect on the environment.
The way a site is worked can significantly change in its nature
and impact over the lifetime of a site, and the standards of
operation, restoration and expected after-use can change.
For these reasons there is a need for sites to be regularly
reviewed so as to ensure that modern standards are met.
Many mineral sites were operating under permissions granted as
far back as the 1950s when standards of operation and restoration
expected of site operators were much lower than today.
The review procedure
If you are a mineral operator the county council will write to
you 12 months before your review date and again 6 weeks before
explaining what you are required to do.
An explanation of the procedure and guidance is available from
the Communities and Local Government website (opens
in new window).
Reviews and planning applications
These reviews are not planning applications in the usual sense,
there are a number of significant differences.
If the application is not determined within 3 months (or such
longer period as may be agreed) the scheme of conditions is deemed
approved as submitted.
The principle of the use of the land for mineral extraction is
not an issue. The application is about how the site is operated and
restored, not about whether or not further extraction should take
place.
If you would like any further advice about the review please
contact the planning applications unit. |