Local plan - minerals

Minerals are an essential part of our day-to-day to lives. The bricks in our homes, the pavements in our towns and the shops we visit all rely on minerals in their construction.

Current framework for minerals

As a result of Local Government Review (April 1998) Torbay Council inherited responsibilities as the Mineral Planning Authority (MPA). It also became the Waste Planning Authority (WPA), in addition to its existing role as the Waste Collection Authority (WCA). These responsibilities need to balance the conservation of the environment and resources with human health and best value.

Every Local Authority in the UK has a legal duty to publish a Minerals Local Plan to deal with the extra pressure placed on our local environment through the demand for minerals. The component policies aim to strike a balance between society's needs for minerals and the need to protect our local environment.

Minerals policies are currently set out in the Waste & Minerals Chapter of the Torbay Local Plan(1995-2011). These policies deal with the land-use issues arising from the winning and working of minerals. There is also an emerging Devon Minerals Local Plan, which will be of particular relevance when adopted.