Local plan - minerals
Minerals are important natural resources which underpin the
local and national economy. Extraction of minerals provides raw
materials for power, construction and manufacturing industries and
provides employment not only for those employed in the extractive
process but also for those engaged in secondary industries which
process the minerals into useable products.
In the Borough there are significant areas underlain by sand to
the south of Rochdale and around Heywood and Middleton, whilst
sandstone/gritstone outcrops from the Pennine hills to the east and
higher ground north of Heywood and Rochdale.
Historically, shales in the coal measures have been worked for
brick making at Shawclough, Newhey and Summit and coal was
extensively mined. Whilst the current level of extraction within
the Borough is low, significant changes may occur in supply and
demand patterns over time. The Council will regularly monitor
supply and demand, consider the implications of changes and of any
revised guidance on levels of aggregate provision which may be
issued in the future. In the case of aggregate minerals (sand and
gravel, sandstone and gritstone) the national regional framework
for the provision of aggregates is set out in in policies contained
within the Unitary Development Plan adopted in 2006 and this has
been translated downwards by the North West Regional Aggregates
Working Party.
Rochdale Borough’s Unitary Development Plan, Adopted June
2006 (UDP)
Mineral exploration, working, mineral waste disposal or
aggregate depots will be permitted only when each of the following
criteria which are relevant to the type of development proposed can
be satisfied:
- Adequate reserves of the mineral in terms of both quantity,
quality and the geological disposition of the deposit have been
proved;
- It accords with the latest available estimates of demand and
permitted reserves;
- It will not prevent the working of other mineral deposits of
significant value;
- It does not result in the sterilisation of significant
quantities of minerals within the site or in adjacent areas, by
reason of the working methods;
- It does not increase the quantity or extent of active workings
in a particular locality to an unacceptable degree;
For detailed guidance and advice on Minerals and Waste issues
including Agricultural Works please contact our specialist minerals
and waste officer.