Minerals Strategy for Calderdale
13.6 Minerals are a finite resource and it is important that the winning and working of building stone, aggregates and other materials is carried out in a sustainable manner. Proposals for new or extensions to existing mineral workings will be tested against the sustainability criteria that apply throughout the Plan. In pursuing the principles of sustainable development in the consideration of minerals, the Council will seek to:-
- conserve resources as far as possible whilst ensuring an adequate supply to meet the needs of society;
- minimise production of waste and encourage efficient use of materials including the use of high quality materials and recycling of waste;
- minimise the environmental effects of quarrying operations and related activities;
- encourage sensitive working practices during mineral extraction and preserve or enhance the overall quality of the environment once extraction has ceased; and
- minimise impacts from the transport of minerals.
13.7 These aims are incorporated within the Minerals Strategy contained within the following Part One Policy:-
POLICY GM 1
MINERALS STRATEGY
PROVISION WILL BE MADE FOR A CONTINUING SUPPLY OF MINERALS INCLUDING AGGREGATES AND RECYCLED AND SECONDARY MATERIALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL AND REGIONAL GUIDANCE HAVING REGARD TO THE NEED TO ENCOURAGE THE EFFICIENT USE OF AGGREGATES AND MINIMISATION OF WASTE AND TO SAFEGUARD THE ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECT LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THAT MINERAL WORKING DOES NOT CREATE UNACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL, AMENITY, TRAFFIC, SAFETY AND OTHER EFFECTS ON THE LANDSCAPE, ENVIRONMENT AND LOCAL INHABITANTS AND THAT SITES ARE RESTORED TO A BENEFICIAL AFTER-USE.