Regulation 18 draft Local Plan

National policy recognises that minerals are essential to support sustainable economic growth and our quality of life. However, as minerals are finite natural resources and can only be worked where they are found, it is important to make best use of them to secure their long-term conservation.

The NPPF states that Minerals Planning Authorities (MPAs) should plan for a steady and adequate supply of minerals of economic importance by identifying in their Local Plans, sites and/or areas for minerals extraction in appropriate locations. The Government also encourages MPAs to take account of the contribution that secondary and recycled materials can make to the supply of materials in preference to the extraction of primary materials as part of a circular economy.

It is important to note that minerals can only be worked where they are found, however where possible the Plan seeks to relate minerals development with growth or market areas and to reflect local circumstance such as features of significance, in particular Rutland Water and Ketton Cement Works. Within Rutland, minerals considered to be of economic importance for aggregate purposes include limestone and for non-aggregate purposes include limestone and clay. Recycled aggregates (inert CD&E – Construction, Demolition and Excavation - waste) are also produced within Rutland.

Geology of Rutland

The particular geology of the area has given its name to the Rutland Formation which was formed from muds and sand carried down by rivers and occurring as bands of different colours, each with many fossil shells at the bottom. At the bottom of the Rutland Formation is a bed of dirty white sandy silt. Under the Rutland Formation is a formation called the Lincolnshire Limestone. The best exposure of this limestone (and also the Rutland Formation) is the area near to Ketton.

Mineral resources are concentrated almost exclusively in the eastern half of the County and consist mainly of limestone and clay. Some isolated pockets of sand and gravel deposits exist around the edge of the County particularly in the Welland Valley to the south and east of the County. Smaller pockets are found around the River Eye and Whissendine Brook in the north-west, Eye Brook in the west and River Gwash in the north-east, as shown Figure 7.

Minerals development within the County

Within Rutland, both aggregate and non-aggregate minerals are produced. Specific to Rutland this includes limestone as crushed rock (aggregate minerals) and limestone for the purpose of cement manufacture, building / roofing stone and agricultural lime as well as clay for the purpose of brick making and cement manufacture (non-aggregate minerals). Limestone and clay have historically been the main minerals worked in Rutland; this is likely to continue. Ironstone was extracted in the past, but operations ceased in the 1970's and there is no evidence that sand and gravel reserves have ever been worked.

Recycled aggregates are also produced within Rutland; such material can be used to replace the use of primary aggregates (for low specification applications). Other forms of minerals-related development are also found within the County (e.g., associated storage, handling and processing facilities.

Aggregate minerals - Crushed rock (limestone) extraction

Rutland is relatively small in terms of mineral production; in 2022 there were only two active sites for the extraction of crushed rock: Woolfox and Clipsham Quarries^[1]. Crushed rock extraction is also permitted at Greetham Quarry North-Western extension and Thistleton Quarry, but operations at these sites have yet to commence. The operation at Thistleton Quarry is pending the construction of a dedicated quarry haul road. The site is an old ironstone permission which, as part of a requirement of the Environment Act 1995, underwent a review to update the old permission with modern planning conditions. As a consequence of the new planning conditions, extraction is now formally for limestone and not ironstone. All four crushed rock quarries are concentrated in an area either side of the A1 within the north-eastern part of the County, near to the Lincolnshire border. Permitted sites are detailed in Appendix 6 with their location and associated geology shown in Figure 7

The combined permitted reserves of the four sites are 16.2 million tonnes (Mt). This figure relates to when permission was granted and due to subsequent extraction from Woolfox and Clipsham Quarries, this figure is now reduced.

Historically ironstone was extracted to supply the steel works in Corby; however, operations ceased in the 1970's. Three sites have dormant permissions, but these would have to be subject to modern planning conditions before they could operate again. Ironstone is no longer considered to be of economic significance (as a source of iron), although such sites could be worked as a source low quality aggregate or building stone.

Non-aggregate minerals - Limestone and clay extraction

The largest minerals operation in the County is the Heidelberg Materials cement works at Ketton, located in the south-east of the County, close to the Northamptonshire border. It is both a locally and nationally important cement manufacturing plant and relies mainly on locally quarried limestone from the adjacent Grange Top Quarry in conjunction with on-site clays to manufacture around 1.4Mt of cement each year. When the site was granted permission for an extension in 2002 the permitted reserves of limestone and clay were 16.6Mt and 6.2Mt respectively; remaining reserves are now considerably less^[2] . Clay extraction is also permitted at Little Casterton (also referred to as Williamson Cliff) located near to the eastern boundary of the County. Operations are currently active and of a small scale with the site worked only a few times a year. Fireclays from the site are exported and used in the making of a specialist brick - Little Casterton facing brick - that is used to repair listed buildings. Rutland also produces limestone used as building / roofing stone and agricultural lime. In 2022 three quarries in Rutland produced limestone for non-aggregate building stone purposes; Clipsham, Woolfox and Hooby Lane (Stretton). Clipsham and Woolfox quarries also produce limestone for use as agricultural lime in addition to crushed rock. Further, Greetham North-Western extension quarry is permitted for non-aggregate extraction and includes a proportion of limestone for building stone in addition to crushed rock. The extraction of building stone is typically a small-scale operation and on average the three active sites combined produce approximately 9,700 tonnes a year. It is understood that there is also building stone suitable for building purposes at Thistleton Quarry, in addition Ketton Quarry has small reserves of freestone. Permitted sites are detailed in Appendix 9 with their location and associated geology shown in Figure 5.

Secondary and recycled aggregates

Currently, a limited amount of recycled aggregates is produced and processed in the County. Rutland has only one permitted site for recycling of inert Construction, Demolition and Excavation (CD&E) waste to produce recycled aggregates. This facility, located within Woolfox Quarry, was operational in 2022. Site details are included in Appendix 6 with the location and associated geology shown in Figure 7. There are currently no secondary aggregates produced or processed in the County.

Figure 7: Geology of Rutland with location of permitted sites

Spatial Strategy for Minerals Development in Rutland

The spatial strategy focuses on the eastern part of the County where viable limestone and clay resources are located and have historically been worked. Within the eastern part of the County, the north-east has seen a concentration of sites extracting limestone primarily for aggregate purposes whereas the south-east is dominated by the Ketton Cement Works. Maintaining this distinction between extractive activities will assist in avoiding and/or exacerbating cumulative impacts. Given the variable nature and quality of the resource, it is not possible to specify potential locations for locally sourced building and roofing stone. However, the identification of areas of focus for limestone is considered to provide sufficient guidance regarding building and roofing stone. Historically minerals have not been worked in the western half of the County due to the scarcity of workable mineral deposits.

Aggregate minerals

In order to facilitate delivery of the identified provision rate for crushed rock an Area of Search (AoS) for limestone for aggregate and building stone (LABS) purposes has been identified within the north-east of the County (referred to as the LABS AoS). The LABS AoS focuses on areas of inferred mineral resources (Lincolnshire Limestone) from which extraction has previously, and currently, occurs and so is known to be viable (though it is acknowledged that economic viability may vary within the resource area). The LABS AoS takes in: the area along the County's northern boundary (north of Thistleton); west of Morkery Wood/A1/Stocken Park; south-east of Stretton; south of Clipsham; north-east of Hardwick Wood; north of Exton Park/Westland Wood; and east of Cottesmore and Market Overton. Although the LABS AoS covers a large area, it is not intended that the whole area would be extracted, and it is important to note that the identification of sites within the LABS AoS does not equate to planning permission. The LABS AoS should be viewed as a mechanism to guide industry investment. Any proposal coming forward within the LABS AoS during the plan period would be subject to the planning application process and would need to be compliant with relevant Local Plan policies.

Cement production

Specifically relating to securing adequate provision of mineral resources to maintain cement production at the Ketton cement work, an Area of Search (AoS) for cement primary and secondary materials (limestone and clay) has been identified (referred to as the cement AoS). The cement AoS covers a large area. In order to manufacture good quality cement product, it is essential that the correct balance or "recipe" between the various ingredients is secured and maintained. The recipe is constrained by a number of factors such as quality, location, depth and accessibility. Thus, a large area is required to take account of all these aspects as well as covering both limestone and clay reserves.

The cement AoS takes in the area south of Stamford Road (A606), west of Steadfold Lane, north-west and west of Ketton, north of Ketton Road, north-east of North Luffenham (Edith Weston and Ketton Roads), east of former North Luffenham Gold Club (including the eastern section of the disused North Luffenham Airfield) and east of Woodside Farm/south-east of Coach Road Farm. Whilst the whole of the cement AoS is shown for exploration purposes, any detailed working proposals to extract minerals need to be sufficient to maintain a stock of permitted reserves of at least 15 years. This does not mean that the whole area will be extracted. Given the current reserve position at the Ketton site, it is likely that a planning application will come forward within the cement AoS during the plan period to secure additional reserves for the cement works. Industry has confirmed that the cement AoS is sufficient to secure 15 years stock.

Recycled aggregates

Primary aggregates should be put to the highest quality end use, where possible recycled and secondary aggregates should be used in place of primary aggregates in order to conserve resources, minimise waste and contribute to the move to a low carbon economy. An increase in the consumption, and production, of recycled and secondary aggregates is supported through the Local Plan.

Facilities for the recycling of aggregates are not linked to geological conditions and so can be directed to more appropriate locations. The location of such development should be in line with the spatial strategy for waste management which sets a preference for development within industrial areas, existing waste sites and where associated with the re-use of previously development land (Policy MIN1), including as an ancillary activity on existing mineral extraction sites or disused railheads and wharves.

The spatial strategy does not take into consideration potential adverse impacts and other parameters that may affect the built and natural environment or communities; such matters are addressed at an appropriate level through relevant Local Plan policy. Land ownership constraints are also not taken into account and are the proponent's responsibility to address. It should be noted that the identification of areas within the spatial strategy does not imply grant of planning permission, any proposal would be required to be assessed through the Development Assessment process and comply with the Local Plan policies.

The Issues and Options consultation asked about efficient and sustainable use of, and supply and demand for, minerals under Issue 11. You told us you supported the use of recycled aggregate as alternatives to primary aggregates, being the more sustainable option, and the production of cement an essential product. Respondents also highlighted the potential for cumulative impacts with a concentration of extraction in the east of Rutland and raised concerns over the impact of cement production on climate change.

As a result of the consultation, the plan supports the use of recycled and secondary aggregates in place of primary aggregates where possible and identifies a cement AoS. The approach of maintaining the distinction between extractive activities in the north-east and south-east, will assist in avoiding and/or exacerbating cumulative impacts, and is reported in the Spatial Strategy report. Until/if there is a change in national regulations/guidance in relation to cement production and decarbonisation, then the plan preparation will continue in line with the current national guidance.

Identifying specific sites for mineral extraction and secondary or recycled aggregate production.

Minerals Spatial Strategy (October 2023)

MCS3 - General Locational Criteria

MCS4 - Ketton Quarry Area of Search

MCS11 - Recycled and Secondary Aggregates

MDC9 - Recycled and Substitute materials

MCS6 - Building and Roofing Stone

MCS7 - Residential and Sensitive Land Uses

MPAs are required by national policy to make provision for a steady and adequate supply of minerals. In line with government requirements, the Council prepares an annual Local Aggregates Assessment (LAA) - this involves participation in and taking account of advice of Aggregate Working Parties (AWP). Through these mechanisms the Council has also co-operated with other MPAs with respect to minerals planning for cement production to ensure adequate provision is made. Advice of the National Aggregate Co-ordinating Group (NACG) and published National and sub-national Guidelines on future provision are also taken into account as appropriate.

Aggregate provision

MPAs are required to calculate their own provision rates on the basis of average aggregate sales over a ten-year rolling period and other relevant information. This method of calculation replaces the previous sub-regional approach to apportionment where a nationally prescribed regional apportionment figure was sub-divided within each region. Historically, Rutland and Leicestershire had a joint sub-regional apportionment figure, however this is not prescribed.

The LAA reports on the rolling average of ten years sales data, other relevant local information and an assessment of all supply options. The 2023 LAA informed the Plan's aggregate provision rate.

The Plan will seek to secure a provision of 0.28 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of crushed rock (limestone). This provision rate is calculated on the basis of average aggregate sales over a 10-year rolling period (2013 – 2022) and consideration of local circumstance. Further detail is set out in the 2023, and subsequent LAAs.

It is not likely that the demand for crushed rock in Rutland will be any greater than that experienced previously and as such it is not necessary to factor in any additional growth to a provision rate. In addition, there are no major infrastructure projects planned in the County that would result in a significant increase in demand for mineral resources. The level of aggregate demand/supply and landbanks will be monitored through the Local Plan monitoring framework and LAA.

To ensure a steady and adequate supply of minerals, and not inflate annual extraction rates above those which have been allowed for in sales projections, annual sales can be limited by limiting the number of HGV movements at certain sites. Where this doesn't apply, there is an expectation that operators will complete extraction over the timescale specified in the planning application and not sooner.

Movement of Aggregates

Imports and exports of aggregates are reported through the national Aggregate Monitoring Survey (AMS). The latest survey (2019) reports export data for Rutland separately, however imports are combined with Leicestershire as one sub-region.

Crushed rock produced within the sub-region in 2019 totalled 14.1Mt of which just under a half (around 6.1Mt) remained within the sub-region. Specific to Rutland, information on mineral movements in 2019 is limited. 42% of crushed rock produced was exported to the East Midlands region however the remainder was sold to either an unknown destination or not allocated a destination. Mineral movements data is more complete for the previous survey in 2014 and of the crushed rock produced, the majority was used within the sub-region (28%) or exported to Northamptonshire (26%). The remaining crushed rock was exported to other sub-regions within the East Midlands or to the East of England. This reflects the proximity of Rutland to these areas.

Overall movements of crushed rock into and out of the sub-region are not self-balancing and the sub-region is a (major) net exporter of crushed rock. This reflects the strategic location of the sub-region and the fact that Leicestershire has traditionally been a large supplier of crushed rock (igneous rock). Leicestershire has several nationally important quarries that are significant producers of igneous rock. There is limited demand in Rutland for such aggregate to supply major construction projects, this is reflected in the amount of exports and indicates that demand for aggregate is from further afield.

Through the identification of a crushed rock provision rate the Plan seeks to encourage the continued supply of crushed rock to support growth both within and outside the County.

The sub-region imported 0.36Mt of crushed rock in 2019 from a range of areas including the West Midlands and East Midlands.

Sand and gravel are not produced within Rutland and as such the County is a net importer. The 2019 AMS identifies that 0.687Mt of sand and gravel was imported into the sub-region. As Rutland has limited sand and gravel resources and the mineral has not historically been quarried, the County will continue to rely on imports from other areas. Further detail on movements of aggregates is set out the Local Aggregates Assessment (LAA).

Non-aggregate provision

Regarding cement production, national policy requires the plan to provide a stock of permitted reserves to support the maintenance of cement production of at least 15 years. Ketton Cement Works has an annual output of around 1.4Mt of cement. Recent production levels have been around 1.4Mt or just below which indicates there is no need to increase the output further.

Landbanks

The Government requires MPAs to have landbanks for aggregates and raw industrial minerals such as limestone and clay for cement manufacture. Landbanks are principally a monitoring tool to provide an early indication of possible disruption to the provision of an adequate and steady supply of mineral in the County and indicate when new permissions are likely to be needed. Government policy requires provision to be made for the maintenance of landbanks of at least 10 years for crushed rock and provision of a stock of permitted reserves to support maintenance of cement production of at least 15 years for cement primary and secondary materials to maintain an existing plant.

Based on the 0.28 Mtpa provision rate for crushed rock, the maintenance of crushed rock landbanks at the end of the plan period equates to an additional 2.8Mt. At the commencement of the plan period the crushed rock landbank for Rutland is approximately 39 years. Rutland therefore has sufficient reserves to provide a 10-year landbank.

Ketton Cement Works has an annual output of around 1.4Mt of cement and at this rate there are sufficient permitted reserves to carry operations through to around the middle of the plan period but not up to 15 years. It is likely therefore that the cement works will need to secure additional reserves before the plan period ends. The need to secure additional reserves is recognised and encouraged in the Plan through Policy MIN2.

The Issues and Options consultation asked about the supply and demand for minerals under Issue 11. Respondents suggested the Plan should: support the supply of building stone for use in historic and new buildings and cement production at Ketton and be sufficiently flexible to enable any unforeseen demand for minerals to be met. You also told us that the amount of extraction should be proportionate to the size of the County, for extraction to primarily meet local and regional demand, and to set limits on aggregate sales.

As a result of the consultation responses, Policy MIN2 supports the provision of minerals where linked to historic conservation/maintaining the local distinctiveness of the built environment and cement production at Ketton at an output of around 1.4 Mtpa. There is sufficient flexibility built into the plan to enable demand to be met from existing sites and new sites (including allocated and unallocated sites). Any proposal for extraction will be required to take into account the current reserve and supply position, provision rate (where relevant) and landbanks, which are monitored and reported annually in the LAA. Included in the supporting policy text is reference to limits on annual sales to ensure quarries are not overworked, with more mineral extracted annually than originally planned.

Crushed rock provision rate based on 3-year average sales

Rutland Local Aggregates Assessment 2023

Briefing Note: Minerals Provision (July 2023)

MCS2 - The Supply of Minerals in Rutland

National policy requires identification of MSAs and complementary policies to prevent the needless sterilisation of minerals resources of local and national importance (by non-mineral development). Minerals are an important finite natural resource that can only be extracted where they naturally occur. This means that it is necessary to consider protecting minerals from non-minerals development to ensure that future generations are able to access such resources.

Limestone resources from the Lincolnshire limestone formation are used for both aggregate as crushed rock and non-aggregate purposes as cement primary materials and building / roofing stone. Resources for building stone identified as being of local and national importance in accordance with Historic England's Strategic Stone Study (2011) include Ketton Stone and Clipsham Stone (ooidal freestones from the Upper Lincolnshire limestone member). Clay resources around Ketton are used in cement production with a small amount at Little Casterton used in the production of bricks to repair listed buildings. Clay resources identified as being of local importance include siliceous clays from the Rutland formation and fireclay.

The identification of MSAs does not necessarily mean that these areas will be worked in the future. MSAs, and corresponding Minerals Consultation Areas^[3] (MCAs), should be viewed as a signpost to indicate the presence of mineral resources and as a trigger for such issues to be considered in the decision-making processes for land-use planning, including consultation where non-minerals development is proposed.

It is important to bear in mind that just because there may be no interest in particular resources now, this may not continue to be the case in the future. There are limited river terrace sand and gravel resources identified within Rutland that, although not currently of interest or previously worked, are typically recognised in other areas to be of importance. Future generations may find a requirement for such materials and so it is reasonable for these to be included in the MSAs. River terrace sand and gravel resources identified within Rutland are associated with the River Gwash and River Welland as well as the West Glen River, River Chater, Eye Brook, a tributary of the River Eye and Rutland Water.

Glacial sand and gravel and ironstone resources within the County are not currently worked and are not considered to be viable; it is unlikely that this will change in the long term. As such these resources are not included in the MSAs as they are not considered to be of local or national importance.

As a unitary authority, Rutland County Council is responsible for undertaking consultation with regards to proposals for non-mineral development within identified MCAs, consultation will occur: (i) within Council; (ii) between Council and developers; and (iii) between Council and other authorities (for example where a proposal within an adjoining authority's boundary may impact mineral interests within Rutland, or vice versa). The purpose of which is to ensure that mineral interests are taken into account early in the decision-making process and to discuss the economic viability of the mineral resource and whether prior extraction of the resource is appropriate in order to avoid sterilisation.

The MSAs (and MCAs) are shown on the Policies Map.

It is not necessary to consult on every development proposal; this is because some development represents a lower potential for sterilisation or would not present the opportunity for prior extraction. Accordingly, the following surface development is exempt from consultation and developer requirements relating to MSA/MCAs:

1. extensions to existing dwelling houses and other householder planning applications (except for new dwellings),
2. provision of dwelling house(s): (i) within the built-up area - less than 10 dwelling houses, or a site area of less than 0.5 ha; or (iii) elsewhere - one dwelling house within the recognised Planned Limits of Development boundary,
3. minor extension or alteration to an existing building,
4. development (other than the provision of dwelling houses) on a site having an area of 1 ha or more within the built-up area;
5. changes of use, advertisement consent, amendments to previously approved applications/current permissions (with no additional land take involved), reserved matters, prior notifications, certificates of lawfulness of existing use or development, certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development, works to trees and other miscellaneous minor works/applications (e.g., fences, gates, access, etc.).

Prior extraction of minerals is encouraged, where practicable and environmentally feasible, if it is necessary for non-mineral development to take place. A realistic judgment about the resource viability, practicability and potential environmental impacts will be made; the MPA will not seek to prevent development where it is unlikely that prior extraction is feasible.

Assessment should include the following: (i) site-specific geological survey data; (ii) practicability of prior extraction; and (iii) potential environmental impacts resulting from prior extraction. Preparation of the assessment is the responsibly of the developer and is to accompany the planning application for the non-mineral development. The Council will make a judgement on the need for prior extraction before determination of the application for non-minerals development. A separate planning application (to the non-minerals development) will be required for the prior extraction of mineral resources, which will be determined in accordance with Policy MIN4 Development criteria for mineral extraction, as well as all other relevant Local Plan policies. The non-minerals development should not proceed before the mineral is extracted or steps taken to avoid sterilisation.

The Issues and Options consultation asked about the safeguarding of mineral resources and infrastructure under Issue 11. Respondents suggested that limestone aggregate, building stone, clay and limestone (for use in cement manufacture), and sand and gravel be safeguarded. The majority (70%) of respondents who commented on the extent of the defined MSAs, agreed the MSAs should exclude built up areas. Most of the respondents who commented on MSA buffer zones wanted buffers around MSAs, and it was suggested a 250m buffer be applied to all mineral resources.

The methodology for identifying MSAs includes minerals resources in Rutland of local and/or national importance, i.e., limestone, clay and river terrace sand and gravel, and urban, built-up, areas to reflect mineral resources are present, possibly allowing for future extraction, where associated with large redevelopments. Buffers will be applied around all mineral resources in creating the MSAs. This will help to account for encroachment of non-minerals development that could potentially result in sterilisation of the resource. The proposed buffers are: 500 metres (m) for limestone; 250m for clay; and 250m for sand and gravel. Further detail for establishing these buffers is set out in the methodology.

Identified resource areas without buffers

Including built-up areas in MSAs

Mineral Safeguarding Areas Methodology (August 2023)

Historic England's Strategic Stone Study 2011

MCS10 - Minerals Safeguarding

MDC10 - Development in Mineral Safeguarding Areas

National policy requires proposals for mineral extraction to be environmentally acceptable and avoid and/or minimise potentially adverse impacts to acceptable levels. This includes impacts on the natural and historic environment and on human health, including from noise, dust, visual intrusion, traffic, tip and quarry slope stability, differential settlement of quarry backfill, mining subsidence, increased flood risk, impacts on the flow and quantity of surface and groundwater and migration of contamination from the site. Any assessment of potential adverse impacts should also take into account cumulative effects. It is expected that monitoring of planning conditions related to adverse impacts . will be undertaken to the highest possible standards to address the risk to health of nearby residents and the neighbouring environment generally.

In line with government requirements, MPAs are required to make provision for a steady and adequate supply of minerals, therefore any proposal for extraction of aggregates or cement primary and secondary materials (limestone and clay) will be required to take into account the current reserve and supply position, identified provision rate or requirement to maintain a sufficient stock of cement production materials (as appropriate), maintenance of landbanks or stock of permitted reserves for cement production materials (as appropriate) and where the proposal is for an unallocated site why the need cannot reasonably or would not otherwise be met from committed or allocated reserves. Proposals that come forward that would result in supply exceeding the identified provision rate or cement production rate will need to demonstrate that the proposed over-supply is supported by the latest LAA (for crushed rock); or is supported by the cement plant and that the current landbank is below 15 years (for cement production materials).

Specifically, regarding the Ketton cement works, the location of the cement works and associated extraction areas is within an area of intensive quarrying which has already significantly altered the landscape. Any proposals for extending mineral extraction in relation to cement manufacture will need to address what measures can reasonably be taken to improve the general visual amenity and landscape of the area within the operator's ownership and/or control and to ensure that potentially adverse impacts affecting people and local communities are avoided and/or minimised to acceptable levels.

Any proposal for mineral extraction associated with the Ketton cement works will need to include, in addition to other requirements set out through the Local Plan policies:

• appropriate archaeological investigation at a pre-determination stage.
• provision for the retention or suitable temporary diversion of the Hereward Way, Macmillan Way and the Rutland Round and any public right of way that would be affected.
• the provision of suitable measures to ensure the conservation and enhancement of the special features of interest of Shacklewell Hollow and North Luffenham Quarry Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
• the provision of suitable measures to protect and where appropriate enhance: trees, woodland and other landscape features within and adjoining the site; watercourses crossing the site; and groundwater abstractions present in the locality - unless the need for, and benefits of, the development in that location outweigh the likely loss or damage, in which case appropriate mitigation or compensation measure should be provided.
• the provision of suitable measures to protect the Windmill, off Empingham Road, Ketton and its setting.

In Issue 11 of the Issues and Options consultation we asked about how best to manage the impact of mineral development. 54% of those responding to this question agreed that the Plan should include specific policies for managing the impacts of mineral development on the wider environment and restoration/after-use of mineral workings. You told us how it is important for the plan to seek to prevent any unacceptable impacts from mineral extraction and how there should be buffer zones preventing quarries coming too close to residential areas and community facilities.

As a result of the consultation responses, Policy MIN4 is tailored specific to minerals development to ensure sites for mineral extraction are developed in the most sustainable and appropriate locations and manage the impacts of mineral development, including the requirement for appropriate mitigation measures to be identified to avoid and/or minimise impacts to an acceptable level. Separation distances between a quarry and residential areas are not prescribed in the plan as are determined on a site-by-site basis, it is not a case of one size fits all. Further, including a figure in policy would not pass the independent examination of the Plan. See Government guidance on minerals for further details (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/minerals Para 018).

Include general policies in the Plan for managing the impacts of all forms of development, including minerals development, with separate policies to address matters specific to minerals development.

Rely on higher-level national planning policy to manage the impacts of mineral development and the restoration/after-use of mineral workings.

MDC1 - Impacts of mineral development

MDC2 - Pollution, health, quality of life and amenity

MDC3 - Sites with National Designations

MCS5 - Extensions to Aggregates Sites

MCS6 - Building and Roofing Stone

MCS7 - Residential and Sensitive Land Uses

MCS8 - Rutland Water

MDC6 - Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Interests

MDC7 - Water Resources

MDC8 - Flooding

Crushed rock (limestone)

The NPPF requires a steady and adequate supply of minerals. Regarding crushed rock (limestone), the total provision to be met for crushed rock during the plan period (from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2041) is 5.66Mt. Permitted reserves as of 1 February 2023 total 16.2Mt, of which most remains^[4]. Thistleton Quarry makes up 6.4Mt of the permitted reserves and is currently inactive, however the site is considered by industry and part landowner British Steel Pension Fund (BSPF), to be undeliverable on the basis the site is not economically viable due to the costs involved of developing the associated haul road and annual limit on sales. BSPF are willing to exchange Thistleton Quarry for an alternative, deliverable and viable site, at New Road, Hooby Lane (also in their ownership) which would primarily be for building stone extraction^[5]. The surrender of the Thistleton permission will remove the uncertainty surrounding the Thistleton resource in the plan and is supported in principle subject to the planning application process and compliance with relevant Local Plan policies. The Local Plan has therefore gone down this route and allocated the New Road site and not taken the Thistleton quarry site as a commitment in its provision figures for crushed rock, although it accepts that formal extinguishment of the Thistleton permission would not be possible until New Road is granted permission. Extraction at New Road would support the supply of building stone in Rutland.

The existing commitments, excluding the 6.4 Mt reserve at Thistleton, will still provide crushed rock surplus to requirements over the plan period; and as such there is no need to allocate any sites for the extraction of crushed rock.

Due to the limited number of current crushed rock permissions, the total aggregate output may be affected if a site ceases operations or significantly reduces production. For these reasons, the situation at all sites will be monitored to ensure that a sufficient supply of minerals is maintained. The possible need for additional sites is accounted for through Policy MIN4 Development criteria for mineral extraction, which allows unallocated sites to come forward where in line with relevant Local Plan policies and where it can be demonstrated that site is required to secure provision or maintain landbanks and cannot reasonably, or would not otherwise be met from, committed or allocated reserves.

Limestone and clay

To support a continued supply of building stone, a site for building stone extraction is allocated. Located within the LABS AoS, it is in line with the mineral's spatial strategy. Limestone for building stone purposes is currently produced from three quarries: Clipsham, Woolfox and Hooby Lane. Clipsham and Woolfox quarries also produce limestone for use as agricultural lime in addition to crushed rock. Overall, output of limestone for these end uses (i.e., building stone) is limited and therefore the Plan does not identify a specific provision rate.

A sufficient supply of limestone and clay is required to support Ketton Cement Works and meet its annual cement production rate of approximately 1.4Mt. Permitted limestone and clay reserves used in the manufacture of the cement at Ketton are sufficient to last until around the middle of the plan period^[6]. The need for additional reserves is accounted for with the identification of the cement AoS, as it is understood to contain appropriate reserves to maintain a landbank of at least 15 years over the plan period. In the event that a supply cannot be reasonably met from within the cement AoS or committed reserves; Policy MIN4 Development Criteria for Mineral Extraction enables sites to come forward where in line with relevant Local Plan policies.

A specific provision figure for brickclay is not identified. The existing permission for brickclay extraction at Little Casterton expires around the beginning of the plan period and hence additional reserves may be required. Any new proposals for brickclay extraction will need to demonstrate they are in compliance with relevant Local Plan policies.

The Issues and Options consultation asked about the supply and demand for minerals under Issue 11. Respondents suggested the Plan should support the supply of building stone and cement production at Ketton and be sufficiently flexible to enable any unforeseen demand for minerals to be met.

As a result of the consultation responses, Policy MIN4 supports the provision of building stone, and limestone and clay to support cement production at Ketton. There is sufficient flexibility built into the plan to enable demand to be met from existing sites and new sites (including allocated and unallocated sites). Any proposal for extraction will be required to take into account the current reserve and supply position, provision rate (where relevant) and landbanks, which are monitored and reported on annually in the LAA.

Identify specific sites for crushed rock extraction and recycled aggregate production.

Not including a specific site/s for building stone in the plan and instead relying on general mineral plan policies to develop sites.

N/A

National policy requires MPAs to safeguard existing, planned and potential facilities and sites for the storage, handling and transport of minerals to ensure that sites for these purposes are available should they be needed; and prevent sensitive or inappropriate development that would conflict with the use of sites identified for these purposes. MPAs are also required to safeguard allocated and committed mineral extraction sites from non-minerals development, to facilitate the steady and adequate supply of minerals.

The Issues and Options consultation asked about safeguarding mineral resources and infrastructure under Issue 11. Respondents recommended the cement processing plant at Ketton is safeguarded to enable continuation of cement production.

As a result of the consultation responses, Policy MIN6 safeguards those sites with planning permission for minerals related development/supporting infrastructure, which includes Ketton Cement Works.

Rely on higher-level national planning policy to safeguard minerals development and infrastructure.

Rutland Local Aggregates Assessment 2023

Mineral Safeguarding Areas Methodology (August 2023)

MCS10 - Minerals Safeguarding

MDC10 - Development in Mineral Safeguarding Areas

The NPPF requires a steady and adequate supply of minerals to provide the infrastructure, buildings, energy and goods that the country needs. Borrow pits promote sustainable development by helping conserve mineral resources that might otherwise be lost. Minerals extracted from borrow pits contribute to the County's aggregate requirements and may help to avoid the use of higher-quality reserves elsewhere.

In the Issues and Options consultation no specific points were raised about borrow pits.

A policy allowing borrow pits which are tied to a named scheme and scheme duration

Not including a specific borrow pit policy in the plan and instead relying on general plan policies

The preferred approach is to have a criteria-based policy to ensure borrow pits are developed in the most sustainable and appropriate locations and manage the impacts of mineral development on the wider environment.

Rutland Local Aggregates Assessment 2023

N/A

National policy requires proposals for minerals development to be environmentally acceptable and avoid and/or minimise potentially adverse impacts to acceptable levels.

In Issue 11 of the Issues and Options consultation we asked about how best to manage the impact of mineral development. 54% of those responding to this question agreed that the Plan should include specific policies for managing the impacts of mineral development on the wider environment.

As a result of the consultation responses, Policy MIN8 is tailored specific to minerals development to ensure sites for mineral development are developed in the most sustainable and appropriate locations and manage the impacts of mineral development, including the requirement for appropriate mitigation measures to be identified to avoid and/or minimise impacts to an acceptable level.

Include general policies in the Plan for managing the impacts of all forms of development, including minerals development.

Rely on higher-level national planning policy to manage the impacts of mineral development.

Rutland Local Aggregates Assessment 2023

Minerals Spatial Strategy (October 2023)

MDC1 - Impacts of mineral development

The NPPF does not specifically address waste matters. Detailed waste planning policies are set out in the National Planning Policy for Waste (NPPW). The NPPW is to be read in conjunction with the NPPF, the Waste Management Plan for England and National Policy Statements (NPS) for wastewater and hazardous waste.

All forms of development and activities produce waste. It is important in creating sustainable communities that waste management is incorporated into new development and that there is a social change towards recognising waste as a resource and where communities and businesses take more responsibility for the waste they produce.

It is estimated that Rutland produces just under 90,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of various types of waste, including municipal (24%), commercial and industrial (23%), construction, demolition and excavation (53%) and hazardous (1%) as set out in Appendix 10. Rutland does not produce low-level radioactive waste (LLW) from the nuclear industry however a very small amount of LLW from the non-nuclear industry is produced from the Leicestershire and Rutland County areas.

The majority of Rutland's waste is exported to surrounding counties where it is recycled, composted, treated, or disposed of to landfill. Since 2014 a significant proportion (around 40%) of municipal waste, previously disposed of to landfill, has been diverted to an advanced treatment facility in Nottingham for recovery; this continues to occur. Limited advanced treatment of other waste streams has been reported.

The amount of waste generated in Rutland is likely to increase over the plan period, estimated at 118,000 tonnes (t) by 2041, resulting in a capacity gap between current operational capacity and future requirements.

An assessment of the potential future requirements for facilities has demonstrated that there are opportunities in Rutland for increasing the current waste management capacity, particularly in relation to preparing for reuse and recycling, anaerobic digestion and composting.

There is a potential requirement for the following preliminary treatment facilities:

1. one to two small-scale materials recycling facilities, plus either additional capacity at the existing civic amenity sites or additional site(s) as required, and
2. one small scale composting or anaerobic digestion facility.

Given the number and scale of facilities, it is estimated that around three hectares of land is needed to accommodate this requirement.

The two existing civic amenity sites in Cottesmore and North Luffenham will be retained. Additional capacity for civic amenity sites will be provided either through an extension to existing sites or where required new site(s) associated with areas of significant development.

The operational capacity for large preliminary and advanced treatment facilities cannot be sustained from waste arisings from within Rutland alone. Over the mid to long-term of the plan period the development of a small-scale advanced treatment facility may become viable. Such development is likely to be more viable within Rutland where the treatment capacity forms an ancillary activity to industrial operations. As such co-location of facilities for advanced treatment with industrial operations where the output(s) are able to be utilised as an alternative fuel or for energy generation is supported. There may be the potential for treatment capacity to be increased through the use of alternative fuels at the nationally significant Ketton Cement Works^[8].

Until such a facility is provided, it is likely that the exporting of waste to surrounding counties for treatment will continue and that amounts will increase in line with meeting waste management targets.

Regional self-sufficiency will be promoted through sustainable patterns of waste movements in relation to urban areas in neighbouring counties. In line with government policy, the need for additional waste management capacity of more than local significance has been taken into account. This involved strategic waste movements being identified and the Council engaging with WPAs accommodating facilities that receive such wastes (originating from Rutland) in line with the Duty to Co-operate. As a result, no strategic matters were identified regarding continuation of such waste movements. The County recognises the importance of cross-boundary movements and will continue to co-operate with relevant WPAs to address strategic matters and facilitate the continuation of such arrangements.

Waste related development will be predominantly focused in Oakham, Uppingham, and the Larger Villages in line with the spatial strategy. This will maximise the use of existing infrastructure networks and facilitate communities and businesses taking greater responsibility for their waste. Waste developments should be co-located together and with complementary activities, for example within industrial areas or integrated with new residential and commercial development.

Development on the edge of Stamford, large redevelopments, or other similar proposals would be considered where consistent with the role of the locale in accordance with spatial strategy and hierarchy. Facilities in these areas should deal with the waste generated from identified urban areas or the redevelopment and on-going use of such establishments. The co-location of waste management facilities together and with complementary activities is supported.

In other areas, including the countryside, redundant agricultural and forestry buildings and their curtilages may also provide suitable opportunities for preliminary treatment - in particular for the management of agricultural wastes or where a rural location is more appropriate due to the nature of operations or the relationship with rural activities, for example composting and anaerobic digestion.

Facilities for inert recycling should be directed towards industrial sites and where associated with the re-use of previously development land such as existing waste sites, as an ancillary activity on existing mineral extraction sites or disused railheads and wharves. Where a site is subject to redevelopment, there may be an opportunity to accommodate temporary plant: however, the operational life would be limited to that of the redevelopment.

The deposit of inert waste to land should be directed towards permitted mineral extraction sites in order to facilitate restoration. The deposit of inert waste to land for the purpose of engineering works, agricultural improvement or land reclamation should demonstrate that the proposal would not divert significant amounts of inert waste material from mineral sites and would not prejudice restoration of mineral extraction sites. The deposition of inert waste to land may also constitute recovery in some cases (where in compliance with Environmental Permitting Regulations), in particular where associated with the restoration of permitted mineral extraction sites.

There are currently no operational non-hazardous landfill^[9] sites within Rutland. The County is not considered appropriate as an area to accommodate a new landfill site. The exporting of waste to surrounding counties for disposal to landfill will continue but the amount of waste requiring disposal is anticipated to reduce as the capacity of other forms of waste management increases.

There are currently no facilities for the management or disposal of hazardous and radioactive wastes within Rutland. The County does not produce substantial quantities of these waste materials and is not considered an appropriate location for such facilities.

The location of waste related development should be in accordance with the spatial strategy (Policy WST1) and with allocations (identified in Policy WST3) and set out in Figure 8.

Figure 8 - Proposed allocations for minerals extraction and waste management

In Issue 11 of the Issues and Options consultation we asked you to consider the most appropriate option for identifying sites for waste management. Most respondents (59%) wanted the plan to include criteria-based policies to ensure that sustainable waste management facilities are developed in the most sustainable and appropriate locations. You told us that the Plan should encourage, and facilitate, net self-sufficiency in waste management and not rely on surrounding authorities to deal with the counties waste, and that waste is managed as close to the source as possible. You welcomed the approach to carry out an evidence base study to understand waste needs, and recommend the plan includes waste targets and recognises the benefits of the co-location of mineral extraction sites and aggregate recycling facilities.

As a result of the consultation responses, Policy WST1 will focus on provision of preliminary and supporting facilities whilst recognising waste as a resource. Highlighting the indicative waste management capacity requirements up to 2041 and sets a spatial strategy that directs facilities to Oakham, Uppingham and Larger Villages. Deposit of inert waste is to be directed to mineral extraction sites to facilitate restoration.Co-location of facilities for advanced treatment with industrial operations where the output(s) are able to be utilised as an alternative fuel or for energy generation is supported.

Identify specific sites or locations in the Local Plan for sustainable waste management facilities.

Use criteria-based policies to ensure that sustainable waste management facilities are developed in the most sustainable and appropriate locations

Do not include any specific sites/locations or criteria-based policies and rely on national policy

Local Waste Needs Assessment (August 2023)

Waste Spatial Strategy (October 2023)

CS25 - Waste management and disposal

MCS11 - Recycled and Secondary Aggregates

The overall approach, including the spatial strategy, for waste management and disposal is set out through Policy WST1 (Capacity requirements and spatial strategy for waste development). A specific site for waste management is allocated in this Plan, whilst unallocated sites for waste management and disposal are able to come forward where in line with the spatial strategy and development criteria. Although a site may be allocated for waste development, it will still require a planning application to be submitted and assessed against the development plan and other relevant policies.

Waste-related development has the potential to have an adverse impact on the receiving environment. Although some impacts may be similar to those resulting from other forms of development, such as industrial land use, others are specific to waste-related development (and vary dependant on the type of facility). It is important that potentially adverse impacts are identified, and appropriate measures put in place in order to avoid and/or minimise such impacts to an acceptable level, for example air filtration systems, separation areas, bunding, acoustic screening and strategic site layout (including site access and roads)^[10].

Waste-related development should support the move towards a circular economy where possible; helping to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them, minimising waste, and promoting resource efficiency, and facilitate driving waste up the waste management hierarchy; giving priority to preparing for re-use, recycling and recovery over disposal

In Issue 11 of the Issues and Options consultation we asked you to consider the most appropriate option for identifying sites for waste management. The majority of respondents (59%) wanted the plan to include criteria-based policies to ensure that sustainable waste management facilities are developed in the most sustainable and appropriate locations. We also asked you how best to manage the impact of waste development on the wider environment, and the vast majority (91%) of respondents wanted specific policies in the Plan for this rather than relying on higher-level national planning policy. You welcome the waste hierarchy approach to waste management in the plan and recommend the plan refer to the circular economy.

As a result of the consultation responses, Policy WST2 sets out the criteria where waste related development will be acceptable in principle including where sites enable communities and businesses to take more responsibility for their own wastes and support the management of wastes in line with the proximity principle. The criteria also support a move to a circular economy and allows sites that support the waste hierarchy.

Do not include any specific sites/locations or criteria-based policies and rely on national policy

Do not include specific policies on managing the impacts of waste development on the wider environment and rely on higher-level national planning policy.

Local Waste Needs Assessment (August 2023)

Waste Spatial Strategy (October 2023)

SP28 - Waste-related development

MDC9 - Recycled and Substitute materials

Waste forecasts indicate that around three additional facilities (depending on scale) could be required by the end of the plan period to deliver the additional capacity requirements in Rutland for preparing for reuse and recycling, anaerobic digestion and composting. The plan does not identify specific sites for these facilities however Policy WST2 (Waste related development) allows unallocated sites to come forward, where in line with relevant Local Plan policies, and where it can be demonstrated that the site is required to deliver additional capacity requirements.

The waste management industry is becoming more flexible and therefore identifying specific sites required throughout the plan period may be seen as too rigid and may not reflect advancements in waste management technologies and changes in industry interest and could result in viable unallocated sites being rejected (which may in fact be more suitable to accommodate such a use).

The additional capacity for preparing for reuse and recycling, anaerobic digestion and composting, could be met through (where appropriate) development of new sites, extensions to existing sites, or multiple (complementary) facilities located on one site. Regarding advanced treatment, there is a preference for co-location with industrial operations where the waste use forms an ancillary activity.

Allocation site W1 is for the deposit of inert waste to land for the purpose of infilling voids resulting from mineral extraction (such operations may be classed as inert recovery). This supports the long-term restoration outcomes of the existing site and potential extension(s) to the site during the plan period. The deposit of inert waste to land should be of a scale that is in accordance with the estimated inert recovery capacity requirement set out through Policy WST1 (Capacity requirements and spatial strategy for waste development), being 43,000tpa, but will, in any event, depend upon a more detailed assessment of its impacts and benefits of restoration, when a planning application is made. The south-western section of the site is within the Ketton Quarries SSSI. A geology trail is associated with the SSSI and shows some of the exposures in parts of the old quarry workings. In line with maximising beneficial outcomes, development of the site should protect the interests for which the SSSI was designated, preserve the geology trail and seek to enhance these where possible through the restoration objectives and outcomes. A

In Issue 11 of the Issues and Options consultation we asked you to consider the most appropriate option for identifying sites for waste management. The majority of respondents (59%) wanted the plan to include criteria-based policies to ensure that sustainable waste management facilities are developed in the most sustainable and appropriate locations.

As a result of the consultation responses, Policy WST3 allocates one site for the deposit of inert waste to land. The policy also includes safeguarding of the allocated site from non waste development adjacent to an allocated site.

Do not include any specific sites/locations or criteria-based policies and rely on national policy

Local Waste Needs Assessment (August 2023)

Waste Spatial Strategy (October 2023)

SP4 - Sites for waste management and disposal

The NPPF requires worked land to be reclaimed at the earliest opportunity, taking account of aviation safety, and that high quality restoration and aftercare of mineral sites takes place. It states that in considering proposals for mineral extraction, MPAs should provide for restoration and aftercare at the earliest opportunity, to be carried out to high environmental standards, through the application of appropriate conditions.

Minerals are finite resources and as such mineral extraction is of a temporary nature.  Restoration schemes should seek to provide high quality restoration outcomes and aftercare, including provisions for on-going management and maintenance where necessary, with restoration being undertaken in a progressive manner to ensure that land is reclaimed at the earliest opportunity to an acceptable and stable landform.

Historically, the emphasis in Rutland was to restore quarries to agricultural use however today there are a wide range of other beneficial restoration after-uses that can be achieved and that should be considered including:

• agriculture, or another form that supports the safeguarding the long-term potential of best and most versatile agricultural land and conserving soil resources;
• geodiversity;
• biodiversity and nature conservation;
• native woodland;
• forestry;
• water conservation and flood management measures^[11] (e.g., flood attenuation);
• blue and green infrastructure and recreation uses;
• historic environment conservation and/or enhancement;
• environmental educational; and
• economic development.

The after-use(s) must not take precedent over the need to protect the environment or maintain existing environmental assets (including heritage assets).

Sites should be restored in a sensitive manner that is sympathetic to the landscape character of the area and will enhance the site. The existing characteristics of the site (such as the agricultural value of the land prior to extraction, underlying geology, hydrology, topography), ecological linkages, blue and green infrastructure networks, setting within the local and wider landscape and built environment, together with the needs and requirements of the local community, will need to be taken into account when considering the most appropriate restoration after-use(s). Sites that sit within an area subject to a masterplan should be restored in a manner that reflects the desired outcomes of the masterplan.

Where mineral extraction occurs on land identified as best and most versatile agricultural land, it is not necessarily predetermined that the site be restored back to agricultural use, but it is important that the land is restored (and as part of the long-term aftercare) to a condition where it retains its longer-term capability and retains a high-quality resource for the future.

Mixed-use restoration schemes can maximise beneficial outcomes and are encouraged. For example, where sites are restored to agricultural use opportunities for increasing the biodiversity value of the land should be incorporated, for example field margins, hedgerows, ponds, beetle banks and small woodlands. Careful management and monitoring may be required where there is potential for conflict arising from the proposed uses e.g., recreational and nature conservation uses.

The restoration of mineral extraction sites should provide a net-gain in biodiversity of at least 10%, as required by the Environment Act (2021) and, where possible, integrate into the forthcoming Nature Recovery Network, a national network of wildlife-rich places. Where appropriate, restoration should contribute towards the aims of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan (LLRBAP), creation and management of BAP priority habitats, priority species conservation, and objectives of the Lincolnshire and Rutland Limestone Strategy and forthcoming Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS)

Restoration of mineral extraction sites may also provide opportunities to create features that can facilitate adaptation to the effects of climate change and/or help mitigate the impacts such as flood management measures (e.g., sustainable drainage systems and flood attenuation), creation of carbon sinks, enhancing ecological networks to facilitate species adaptation and movement, etc.

Restoration schemes incorporating large areas of open water or types of wetland habitat have the potential to attract large and flocking bird species increasing the potential threat of bird strike to air traffic. Ministry of Defence (MoD) aerodromes are protected against heightened bird strike risk within statutory bird strike safeguarding zones. These identify a circular consultation zone radiating eight miles around aerodromes in which the MoD is consulted upon the development of mineral works and other forms of development that may create an attractant to birds. Rutland is covered by the statutory bird strike safeguarding zones that protect the main operational bases of Kendrew Barracks (previously RAF Cottesmore) and RAF Wittering. Restoration schemes within these zones should be designed to ensure that take account of aviation safety.

Planning applications for mineral extraction must include a restoration scheme that demonstrates that the overall objectives of the scheme are practically achievable, including: identification of restoration outcomes and afteruse(s); evidence to layout and design plans as necessary; details of how restoration is to be achieved; key stages / phasing and timeframes of the restoration works; where the land is agricultural land, an assessment of the agricultural land classification grade; a landscape strategy; and an aftercare programme including where appropriate measures for long-term management, including monitoring. Site-specific assessments (such as landscape character, environmental capacity, ecological networks, flood risk, etc.) may also be required to accompanying the restoration scheme. In order to achieve beneficial ecological outcomes landowners and operators may be required to enter into a legal agreement to undertake prescribed aftercare beyond the 5-year statutory period where necessary.

Temporary waste development is also expected to comply with Policy MIN9 (Restoration and Aftercare), in particular land raising or landfill sites are to be restored to a beneficial after-use and stable landform at the earliest opportunity and to high environmental standards.

In Issue 11 of the Issues and Options consultation we asked you about managing the impact of mineral development. Most respondents (54%) wanted the plan to set out specific policies to guide the restoration/after-use of mineral workings. Respondents suggested restoration and after-use policies are aspirational and set a positive, proactive approach to meet high environmental standards and support opportunities for: green and blue infrastructure, integration into the nature recovery network. biodiversity net gain, reducing flood risk, safeguarding soil resources, mitigating, and adapting to climate change, and also leisure and recreation use.

As a result of the consultation responses, Policy MIN9 sets out specific policies to guide the restoration/after-use of mineral workings that support high quality restoration outcomes and aftercare.

Relying on higher-level national planning policy to guide the restoration/after-use of mineral workings.

Rutland Landscape Character Assessment (December 2022)

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Biodiversity Action Plan 2016

Lincolnshire and Rutland Limestone Strategy

Local Nature Recovery Strategy 2023

MCS12 - Restoration

MDC12 - Restoration and aftercare