Issue - meetings

In accordance with his prior declaration of interest, Councillor Richard Baxter-Payne left the meeting during the determination of this item.

Councillor Wallace Redford introduced the report and moved the recommendations.  In doing so, he explained that as the Local Planning Authority for Minerals, the council was required to prepare a plan for the steady and adequate supply of minerals.  The Minerals Plan had been through several consultation stages with residents and stakeholders since 2015 and, following an Examination in Public, which was overseen by a Government Planning Inspector, it was now in the final stage of the plan process: plan adoption.   Councillor Redford also noted that Cabinet had received a letter from Barford Parish Council opposing the Plan, specifically in relation to the Wasperton site and, although the consultation had closed, a response was being prepared.

Councillor Jo Barker seconded the motion and reserved her right to speak.

Debate

Councillor John Holland noted that concerns from residents of Barford and Wasperton were not new and had been brought up at the outset of the process.  Local residents were now receiving help from their MP who was promoting a Bill to restrict quarrying close to homes, which this plan would allow, and Councillor Holland did not believe any residents of Warwickshire should be subjected to.  He also had concerns about the environmental impact and sustainability.

Councillor Sarah Boad referred to the original consultation from 2018, noting that the plans had moved on since then as it had taken some time to move the through the required process.  Residents from her division and the Parish Council had been in contact with her and she was somewhat reassured by the comments of Councillor Redford but she considered that the suggestion that objections could be submitted during the planning permission process was missing the point somewhat.  Councillor Boad considered that the Plan was unsatisfactory. 

Councillor Jan Matecki noted that a lot of consultation had taken place but it had been based on the prevailing facts at the time, and the position at the time of the meeting was different and the Plan was now out of date.  It had been asserted that objections to developments could be raised through the planning process but he considered it would be difficult to argue against the Plan.  Reflecting on a recent report to Regulatory Committee, Councillor Matecki noted that the current production of sand and gravel at Dunton Quarry (200,000 – 250,000 tonnes per year) would outstrip that anticipated at Wasperton and he was questioned whether the Wasperton site was, therefore, required.  Councillor Matecki went on to highlight the risks to health and the environment and suggested that a cautious approach should be adopted while further information was sought. 

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers noted the need to produce a significant amount of sand and gravel to produce cement for houses and infrastructure.  However, he considered that a realistic approach to how much needed to be extracted was required since most sand and gravel came from the sea. He  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5

A report seeking endorsement of the Warwickshire Minerals Local Plan 2018-2032.

Portfolio Holder - Councillor Wallace Redford

Councillor Isobel Secommbe (Leader) noted that the Cabinet had received a letter from Barford Residents Association relating to this item on the agenda.

Councillor Wallace Redford (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) introduced the report, explaining that this was the final stage of the long running process towards the adoption of the local minerals plan for Warwickshire.  Inspectors had approved the revised version, which addressed all the main and minor modifications previously raised and consulted on.

Resolved that Cabinet recommends to Council that the Warwickshire Minerals Plan and Policies Map be adopted with all the Main Modifications recommended by the Planning Inspector and any Minor Modifications proposed by the Strategic Director for Communities.