Regulation 19 Rutland Local Plan
Borrow pits
What will the policy do?
Large quantities of aggregates or clay may be needed in association with major construction and engineering works, where the mineral resource exists within the local area it may be preferable to supply this need from a borrow pit rather than import the materials from further afield. The timeframe for extraction from the borrow pit should not exceed that of the associated construction or engineering works.
Policy MIN7 - Borrow pits
Permission will be granted for borrow pits where it can be demonstrated that:
- extraction of mineral from the borrow pit constitutes the most appropriate supply option with reference to the type and quality of the mineral and proximity to other mineral extraction sites;
- the estimated size of the resource, and proposed extractive operations, is commensurate to the estimated needs of the associated construction or engineering works;
- the borrow pit is within close proximity to the associated works that it is intended to supply and minimises the use of public highways in transporting the mineral;
- the proposal avoids and/or mitigates potentially adverse impacts to acceptable levels and is environmentally feasible;
- the site will be progressively restored to an acceptable condition and after use and completed as soon as possible following cessation of the associated works; and
- inert waste arising from the associated works should be used in restoration of the borrow pit where appropriate. The site will be progressively restoration to an acceptable condition and after use and completed as soon as possible following cessation of the associated works.
Why is this policy needed?
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.
What you told us about the topic
In the Draft Plan consultation you commented that Policy MIN7 should include reference to the restoration of borrow pits for biodiversity and habitat creation after-uses.
The Local Plan addresses the restoration of temporary minerals development (which includes borrow pits) in Policy MIN9 - Restoration and aftercare and supports after-uses including biodiversity and nature conservation.
