Last chance to give views on minerals plan

Greater Manchester councils want residents’ views on a Minerals Plan before it is submitted to the Secretary of State for examination.

The Minerals Plan guides future minerals development and identifies areas for mineral extraction and safeguarding areas.

Residents have until Friday 2 September to put forward their views.

Councillor David Molyneux, Chairman of the Joint Minerals Planning Committee which is preparing the plan, said: "It aims to ensure that all planning authorities have policies in place so we can cope with future demands for minerals in the greenest, safest and most sustainable way possible. It also aims to recognise the importance of reusing previously used minerals where possible whilst allowing extraction of primary minerals - those dug out of the ground - where necessary.”

This stage brings the results of earlier consultations together with technical evidence and national and local planning policies to develop the final version of the plan.

Councillor Molyneux added: "This stage is about ensuring the Minerals Plan has chosen the most appropriate strategy, is deliverable and in line with national planning policy. We encourage businesses and residents to check that the correct processes have been followed, the evidence is accurate and comments made at earlier stages have been taken into account,"

It is available to view and comment upon at www.gmmineralsplan.co.uk To see a paper copy visit Rochdale Central Library or phone 0161 779 6182.