Gloucestershire County Council Devising a Spatial Vision & objectives for the MCS Robin Drake – Principal Planning Officer

What is a Spatial Vision? It is a key element of the new Minerals Core Strategy ‘emphasise local It should be clear and ‘emphasise local distinctiveness with a focus on delivery’ distinctiveness with a focus on delivery’ 2.4 Companion Guide to PPS12: Creating Local Development Frameworks

What are Strategic Objectives? Set the context for delivering the Spatial Vision ’priority issues’ Highlight the key ’priority issues’ facing Gloucestershire in terms of planning for minerals Provide the basis for developing the core spatial policies for the MCS

Developing a Spatial Vision for Gloucestershire It must seek to reflect: - -THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT -NATIONAL & REGIONAL PLANNING POLICY - OTHER ‘SPATIAL’ POLICIES..

Sustainable Development & Minerals real challenge Mineral development can appear a real challenge to achieving the aims of sustainable development. As they: use of a non-renewable resource Represent the use of a non-renewable resource; and adversely impact Can adversely impact upon people & the environment are vital However, minerals are vital for building new homes, schools, hospitals & transport routes, essential factors for increasing prosperity, economic growth and the ‘quality-of –life’ of the whole community.

‘BEST BALANCE’ achieving the ‘BEST BALANCE’ of social, economic & environment costs ‘BETTER USE’ and the ‘BETTER USE’ of our remaining natural resources ‘BETTER’ Essentially it is about undertaking ‘BETTER’ ‘NOT’ development and ‘NOT’ a tool for seeking to prevent development Consequently, Sustainable Minerals are all about:

Seeks to deliver economic, social and environmental well-being in a sustainable ways. It’s Vision states – ‘To Make a positive difference for people who live, work in and visit Gloucestershire.’ The MCS will need to reflect this vision in terms of future minerals planning The Community Strategy for Gloucestershire

To manage mineral resources in a sustainable manner so as to: ‘Meet’ ‘Meet’ society’s need for minerals now and for the future; ‘Conserve’ ‘Conserve’ and enhance the environment; and ‘Protect’ ‘Protect’ the local communities of Gloucestershire A proposed interim Spatial Vision for the MCS

Proposed Interim Strategic Objectives 1.To identify, conserve and safeguard Gloucestershire’s mineral resources from unnecessary sterilisation by other forms of development. 2.To ensure that the appropriate provision is made to meet the local, regional and national demand for minerals from environmentally acceptable sources in Gloucestershire. 3.To protect and enhance the natural and cultural assets of Gloucestershire. In particular internationally and nationally designated sites. 4.To ensure that mineral sites are restored to a high standard and that this is done as quickly as possible.

Interim Strategic Objectives 5.To ensure that mineral sites are restored in such a way, that they are able to provide for a range of beneficial and sustainable after-uses. 6.To secure sound working practices that minimise the adverse impacts of mineral developments on the local communities and environment of Gloucestershire. 7.To encourage the efficient working and prudent use of Gloucestershire’s mineral resources. 8.To promote the maximum use of recycled materials in preference to non- renewable primary minerals, where possible. 9.To encourage more sustainable ways of transporting mineral resources.

- Workshop 1 – What do you think of the proposed interim Vision and strategic objectives for the MCS?