SLP KDBH Extracts - Flipbook - Page 115
Solihull and Walsall, the only authorities that contribute to primary sand and gravel
production. This policy takes account of the provision for primary sand and gravel production
within the Black Country Core Strategy. There may be a need to review the policy when the
Black Country Plan Review is completed.
364.
In seeking to meet the requirement for primary sand and gravel production, the Council
identified a number of preferred areas for extraction in the adopted Local Plan 2013. Whilst
part of Hornbrook Farm has been granted planning permission, applications have yet to
come forward on the remaining preferred areas. The potential reserves from the preferred
areas may be affected by the line of the HS2 rail link and conditions attached to working
adjacent to the line.
365.
Following a Call for Sites, two sites with viable mineral resources have been identified, and
are allocated as specific sites. These form extensions to the existing quarries at land southeast of Meriden Quarry and land south-east of Berkswell Quarry and are shown on the
Policies Map. The sites proposed for sand and gravel extraction are located in the Green
Belt. However, mineral extraction is not inappropriate development in the Green Belt,
provided that it preserves openness and does not conflict with the purposes of including land
in Green Belt. Both sites lie within the Area of Search for Primary Sand and Gravel
Aggregates. Land south-east of Berkswell Quarry (CfS532) is adjacent to a SSSI/Local
Wildlife Site, so any proposal for mineral extraction will need to incorporate measures to
protect and enhance the SSSI/Local Wildlife Site, in line with Policy P10.
366.
These preferred areas and specific sites provide for a proportion of the total requirement
only, with the remainder to be provided from within defined areas of search in both Solihull
and Walsall. Proposals for sand and gravel extraction outside these areas will be permitted
where this can be justified. The policy provides for a minimum landbank of 7 years at the end
of the plan period, in accordance with national guidance.
367.
The policy sets out the criteria for new minerals development in the Borough, to ensure
mitigation of environmental and transport impacts, in accordance with national guidance. It
seeks to ensure that minerals development contributes to wider national and local objectives,
such as the reduction of carbon emissions, and the use of alternative materials.
368.
The criteria include the protection of the amenities of surrounding occupiers and land uses,
and the local and sub-regional transport network from unacceptable impacts. Working
practices will be required to avoid or minimise impacts on health and the environment from
extraction, processing, management and transportation of materials. Environmental and
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