Possible locations for future mineral extraction in Dorset have been unveiled, as residents are asked to have their say on the suggested sites and also help shape future plans for waste and recycling.
Dorset County Council is encouraging people to make comments on two documents, the Mineral Sites Plan and the Waste Plan Issues Paper, before the deadline of 13 February 2014. Residents can find out more by going online – or by attending a series of public exhibitions in the new year.
The county council, in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole, is in the early stages of producing the Mineral Sites Plan document that, once adopted, will set out potential locations for the extraction of sand, gravel, building stone and ball clay to meet national, regional and local requirements. The plan outlines a total of 44 sites suggested by the minerals industry and landowners.
The eight-week consultation period is a chance for residents and other stakeholders to understand where the suggested extraction sites are and to have their say before any decisions are made by the county council.
The second document, ‘the Waste Plan Issues Paper’ considers what kind of waste is being produced in Dorset, how it is currently being managed and how it might be likely to change. It identifies the need for improved recycling facilities in Dorset, new amenities to deal with waste that cannot be recycled and the provision of suitable household recycling centres in places where they are best placed to meet local needs.
Mike Garrity, head of minerals and waste planning policy said: “It is very important that residents and stakeholders express their views on the 44 suggested extraction sites now, as their opinions will shape the basis of more detailed appraisals of each site and ultimately could help form the decisions made by the county council.”
Following on from consultation, the county council will analyse comments and decide on which sites will be allocated for future quarrying. It will also begin to identify specific sites for new waste facilities.
Cllr Hilary Cox, chair of the Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole minerals and waste joint advisory committee, said: “Future recycling and waste facilities for Dorset should be high on all our agendas. The negative impact on the environment by sending waste to landfill is unsustainable and we need to find appropriate solutions. The questions asked in the Waste Plan Issues paper will address such problems.”
To have your say on either or both documents, submit your comments online at www.dorsetforyou.com/mwdf or by completing a response form which can be requested from the minerals and waste planning policy team on 01305 228585/224675 or by emailing mwdf@dorsetcc.gov.uk.
A series of public exhibitions will take place around Dorset in the new year, where copies of both documents can be seen and council officers will be on hand answer questions. The exhibitions will be held at
Burton Green United Reformed Church Hall, Christchurch, Wednesday 8 Jan, 3pm-7pm
Portland Tesco, Thursday 9 Jan, 3pm-7pm
Wareham Corn Exchange, Monday 13 Jan, 3pm-7pm
Dorchester Library, Tuesday 14 Jan, 12pm-4pm
Crossways Village Hall, Wednesday 15 Jan, 3pm-7pm
Verwood Memorial Hall, Thursday 16 Jan, 3pm-7pm
Hurn Bridge Sports Club, Tuesday 21 Jan, 3pm-7pm
Langton Matravers Village Hall, Wednesday 22 Jan, 3pm-7pm
Sherborne Digby Memorial Hall, Thursday 23 Jan, 9am-11.15am
Poole Civic Centre Committee Suite, Monday 27 Jan, 2:30pm-6:30pm
Muscliff Community Centre, Wednesday 29 Jan, 3pm-7pm
Shaftesbury Town Hall, Council Chamber Thursday 30 Jan, 10am-12noon
