218 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

Minerals 219

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

Minerals

INTRODUCTION

12.1 Doncaster has very substantialdeposits of coal, limestone, sandgravel and peat, all of which have beenworked for many years. More recentlynatural gas and oil prospecting hasestablished the presence of natural gas.In addition, it is expected that in thefuture there will be some demand forclay materials, in particular for thelining of landfill sites.

12.2 Doncaster is therefore a majorproducer of aggregates, coal and peatand makes a significant contributionto meeting the UK’s demand for theseminerals, with extraction taking placefrom sand and gravel deposits in theeast of the Borough and from relativelyshallow deposits of magnesianlimestone in the west of the Borough.The magnesian limestone extracted inDoncaster is used both as an aggregatemineral and as an industrial mineral.Peat extraction is concentrated onThorne and Hatfield Moors.

12.3 The aim of the Strategic Guidancein terms of minerals is to ensure thatSouth Yorkshire’s contribution tomeeting the local, regional andnational demand for minerals ismaintained having regard to theassessments of the Yorkshire andHumberside Regional AggregatesWorking Party and taking account ofthe advice in Minerals PlanningGuidance Notes. The StrategicGuidance requires UDPs to identifyareas with a general presumption infavour of mineral working, to ensurethat minerals are not unnecessarilysterilised, and to set out criteria fordetermining proposals for mineraldevelopments. Doncaster’s UDP setsout policies and proposals in relationto minerals for beyond 2001. RegionalPlanning Guidance For Yorkshire AndHumberside (RPG 12) published inMarch 1996, provides a regional

dimension to existing policystatements and supersedes theStrategic Guidance, insofar as the UDPrelates to periods beyond 2001 and inrelation to future reviews of the UDP.R PG 12 states that “Mineral planningauthorities should recognise that, inproviding for a supply of minerals, abalance must be struck between localand wider environmental andeconomic considerations. TheGovernment would expect authoritiesto take full account of the principlesof sustainable development, byencouraging the best and mostefficient use of all available resourcesand by giving due attention to thelandscape, nature conservation,agricultural, recreation and the touristvalue of the countryside, and thequality of life for local people, so thatfuture generations are notdisadvantaged by todays activities.Development Plans shouldunambiguously indicate general

locations within which mineralworking would normally be acceptableor not acceptable, having regard to thelocation and extent of knowndeposits.”

12.4 Doncaster ’s UDP thereforedesignates Preferred Areas, Areas ofSearch, Safeguarding Areas and BufferZones and sets out policies fordetermining minerals proposals.These policies are intended to providefor the continuation of mineralsextraction in a sustainable, orderly andenvironmentally acceptable mannerand to provide guidance to theminerals industry.

12.5 This balance betweenenvironmental issues and therequirement for continuation ofmineral extraction is designed to meetthe aims of the UDP in terms ofeconomic regeneration andenvironmental improvements.

220 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

12.6 In terms of tonnage, aggregateminerals are likely to continue as themajor surface mineral worked in theBorough. Advice on the quantity ofland which should be designated forfuture aggregate working in Doncasteris normally given by the Yorkshire andHumberside Regional AggregatesWorking Party (RAWP), based onguidance issued by the Department ofthe Environment. The currentguidance is contained in MineralsPlanning Guidance Note 6 (MPG 6),published in 1994. This replaced theprevious MPG 6, published in 1989.

12.7 The Government’s policy onaggregates as expressed in MPG 6indicates that, for the economic wellbeing of the Country, it is essential thatthe construction industry continues toreceive an adequate and steady supplyof aggregates. At the same time,however, the Government recognisesthat aggregate extraction can have asignificant environmental impact andoften takes place in areas of attractivecountryside. The Government WhitePaper “This Common Inheritance”stresses the importance of combiningeconomic growth with care for theenvironment in order to attainsustainable development. MPG 6therefore aims to provide guidance onhow an adequate and steady supply ofmaterial to the construction industrymay be maintained at the best balanceof social, environmental and economiccosts, through full consideration of allresources and the principles ofsustainable development.

12.8 In order to meet these aims in away which is consistent with theprinciples of sustainable development,the Government has concluded that agradual change from the presentsupply approach is called for; overtime less reliance will be placed ontraditional, primary land-won sources(i.e., sand and gravel pits and quarriesproducing crushed rock), andalternative sources of materials, suchas recycled waste and coastal superquarries, will provide an increasingproportion of supply in the future. Abroad objective of MPG6 therefore, isto reduce the proportion of supplyfrom traditional, primary land-wonsources, from 83% to 74% by 2001 and68% by 2006. MPG6 containsRegional Guidelines which set out, in

tonnage figures, the provision for thesupply of primary aggregates whicheach Region should make in itsdevelopment plan. These RegionalGuidelines reflect the Governmentpolicy of reducing the proportion ofsupply from traditional sources.Nevertheless, the tonnage figures inthe Regional Guidelines still representa substantial increase in the demandforecasts contained in the 1989 MPG6.

12.9 For the Yorkshire andHumberside Region, the RegionalGuidelines indicate that MineralPlanning Authorities in the regionshould make provision in theirdevelopment plans for 60 milliontonnes (Mt.) of sand and gravel, and280 Mt. of crushed rocks, over theperiod 1992 - 2006. If authoritieschoose to extend plans beyond 2006,provision for the additional period maybe determined from the apportionedguideline figures on a pro-rata basis.The Yorkshire and Humberside RAWPhas carried out a sub-regionalapportionment of the RegionalGuidelines. For South Yorkshire, theapportionment is 76 Mt. for crushedrocks and 11Mt. for sand and gravel.The sub-regional apportionment hasbeen agreed by the Yorkshire andHumberside Regional PlanningConference, and the agreedapportionment is set out in RPG 12

12.10 The landbanks of currentlypermitted reserves of aggregates inSouth Yorkshire, as of 1st January1992, is as follows:-

Crushed rocks (limestone)Total permitted reserves -80 Mt.Based on a continuing requirementfor non-aggregate limestone,permitted crushed rock reservesavailable for aggregates are -60 Mt.

Sand and gravelTotal permitted reserves -10 Mt.All permitted sand and gravelreserves are expected to be availablefor aggregates.

12.11 Based on the landbanks figuresabove, and the apportionment figuresof 76 Mt. for crushed rocks and 11 Mt.for sand and gravel, the provision forfuture aggregates working has beenmade as follows:-

Three Preferred Areas for limestone

working have been designated whichcontain an estimated 57 Mt. oflimestone. Four Preferred Areas forsand and gravel working have beendesignated which contain an estimated9 Mt. of sand and gravel. In addition,a further three Areas of Search havebeen designated for sand and gravelworking which contain an estimated 6Mt. of sand and gravel. The totalestimated available reserves ofcrushed rocks (i.e., permitted availablereserves plus reserves in LimestonePreferred Areas) are 117 Mt. The totalestimated available reserves of sandand gravel (i.e., permitted reservesplus reserves in Sand and GravelPreferred Areas) are 19 Mt. plus afurther estimated 6 Mt. in Areas ofSearch. Sand and gravel withinDoncaster comprises both soft (orbuilding) sand and sharp (orconcreting) sand and gravel. Becauseof the nature of the sand and graveldeposits, and the variability ofgeological knowledge, it is nothowever possible to identify thedifferent aggregate types separatelyand unambiguously. Where sufficientgeological information exists, siteshave been designated as PreferredAreas. Those sites where geologicalinformation is less precise, have beendesignated as Areas of Search. Areasof Search are intended to makeprovision for beyond the plan period,and to provide a degree of flexibilityto meet any shortfall in supply shouldthe Preferred Areas be unable to maketheir expected contribution to supply.

12.12 The apportionment figures, of76 Mt. of crushed rocks and 11 Mt. ofsand and gravel, can thus be met fromthe total estimated available reserves.The reserves in excess of theapportionment figures provide for adegree of flexibility during the planperiod and, in addition, makeprovision for beyond the plan period.The advantages in making provisionfor beyond the plan period lies in thefact that the areas designated for futureworking have gone through the UDPconsultation process and are likely tobe acceptable in planning terms.Making provision for beyond the planperiod at this stage of the UDP, ratherthan waiting for the 5 year review, willprovide a degree of certainty for thefuture and will assist in avoidingpossible blight.

AGGREGATE MINERALS

Minerals 221

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

12.13 In the UDP, the Preferred Areasand Areas of Search designated havebeen selected as being those areasmost likely to produce the requiredquantity and quality of aggregateminerals with the least impact onamenity, the environment and theeconomy. In the case of limestone,Preferred Areas have been selected onthe basis of a preference for extensionto existing sites rather thancompletely new workings ongreenfield sites, on the grounds thatlarge capital investments, both publicand private, are often required toalleviate environmental impacts. Inthe case of sand and gravel workings,however, it is not considered practicalto apply this policy because of thenature of the deposits. In view of the

Government’s commitment to theprinciples of sustainable developmentand the need to encourage a moreefficient use of natural resources it isconsidered that extraction ofaggregates should be confined toexisting permitted sites and to thedesignated Areas of Search andPreferred Areas, except in certainexceptional circumstances. Beyond theAreas of Search and Preferred Areas,potential sand and gravel bearing landhas been safeguarded in order toprevent the unnecessary sterilisation ofminerals by other forms ofdevelopment. Extraction within theSafeguarding Areas and outside theAreas of Search and Preferred Areas ishowever likely to be limited and wouldonly be permitted where the

PREFERRED AREAS, AREAS OF SEARCH, SAFEGUARDING AREAS ANDBUFFER ZONES

SM 1THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUATIONOF AGGREGATE MINERALS EXTRACTION IN AN ORDERLY,SUSTAINABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE MANNERTHROUGH THE DESIGNATION OF PREFERRED AREAS AND AREAS OFSEARCH, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LEVELS ESTABLISHED BYNATIONAL AND REGIONAL GUIDANCE. A SAFEGUARDING AREA WILLBE DESIGNATED TO PREVENT STERILISATION OF SAND AND GRAVELAND BUFFER ZONES WILL BE DESIGNATED AROUND EXISTING ANDPOTENTIAL LIMESTONE SITES AND THE EXISTING CLAYEXTRACTION SITE AT HELLABY, ROTHERHAM

12.16 The Borough Councilrecognises the need to identify areasof land where the potential foraggregate mineral working in anenvironmentally acceptable andsustainable manner exists whilstassisting the extractive industry byguiding development of mineralresources. Preferred Areas and Areasof Search for aggregate minerals areset out in Appendix 12.1 and 12.2.

12.17 Existing and potentiallimestone workings require a bufferzone around them in order to restrictdevelopment which would affect theability to quarry within such sites.Such zones conversely serve toprotect development from problemsof noise, dust and vibration. Sand andgravel bearing land needs to besafeguarded to prevent unnecessarysterilisation by other forms ofdevelopment.

environmental impact and timescale isconsidered acceptable.

12.14 The extraction of minerals otherthan aggregates, including coal, peat,clay and non-aggregate limestone suchas industrial/chemical gradelimestone, will be addressed on theirown merits, in terms of need, theimpact on amenity, environment,economy and other relevant matters.

12.15 The minerals policies containedwithin the UDP are based on therelevant policies in the SouthYorkshire County Minerals Plan andhave been revised and updated asnecessary. Once approved the UDPwill replace the County Minerals Planas the statutory development plan.

222 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

PREFERRED AREAS

M 1WITHIN DESIGNATED PREFERRED AREAS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALSMAP PLANNING PERMISSION FOR AGGREGATES MINERALSEXTRACTION WILL NORMALLY BE PERMITTED, SUBJECT TO RELEVANTENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND WORKING AND RECLAMATIONPOLICIES. OUTSIDE THE PREFERRED AREAS, PLANNING PERMISSIONFOR AGGREGATES MINERALS EXTRACTION WILL ONLY BE PERMITTEDIN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES M2, M5, M17 AND SM5.

12.18 In the interest of sustainabledevelopment the extraction ofaggregate minerals will be restrictedto designated Preferred Areas or inaccordance with Policy M2. In thecase of some old mineral planningpermissions, there may be justificationfor granting new permissions forextraction outside the Preferred Areasor Areas of Search, if significantbenefits could be achieved, by theconsolidation of existing permissions,in accordance with Policy SM5.

SAND AND GRAVEL AREAS OF SEARCH

M2PLANNING PERMISSION WILL ONLY BE GRANTED WITHIN SAND ANDGRAVEL AREAS OF SEARCH IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCESWHERE THE SAND AND GRAVEL PREFERRED AREAS HAVE BEENINVESTIGATED AND HAVE PROVED UNECONOMIC TO QUARRY, ANDWHERE THERE IS A DEMONSTRABLE NEED FOR THE MINERAL.

12.19 Sand and gravel Areas of Searchare primarily intended for provisionfor beyond the plan period. Planningpermission will therefore only begranted where the Preferred Areashave been investigated and haveproved to be unsuitable and where thelandbank is below recommendedlevels. When planning applications aresubmitted within the Areas of Search,

the Borough Council will assesswhether relevant Preferred Areas havebeen investigated. Where designatedPreferred Areas contain viablereserves, applicants will be expectedto make a determined effort to acquiremineral and surface rights. In the caseof sand and gravel, Policies M1 andM2 together are intended to direct theindustry towards the Preferred Areas,

Safeguarding Areas and Buffer Zones

M 3IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT MINERAL OPERATIONS, OR WASTEDISPOSAL OPERATIONS DURING RESTORATION, ARE NOTUNNECESSARILY RESTRICTED, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL, WITHINTHE BUFFER ZONES, SEEK TO PREVENT NON-MINERAL DEVELOPMENTWHICH WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY SUCH OPERATIONS.

12.20 Buffer zones have beendesignated to cover the area aroundeach Preferred Area and existingworkings for limestone. Limestoneextraction can cause considerable

disturbance to surrounding land,through blasting, noise, dust and visualintrusion. It is therefore necessary torestrict development which, by itspresence, would affect the ability to

quarry within the existing planningpermission for quarrying or within aPreferred Area.

and to reserve the Areas of Search forbeyond the plan period. It isrecognised, however, that geologicalinformation on sand and gravelreserves is somewhat limited, and, forcertain types or quality of mineral,shortfalls may arise during the planperiod. Policy M2 provides a degreeof flexibility should this situation arise.

Within Doncaster, approximately 6 million tonnes of aggregates(i.e. crushed limestone and sand and gravel) are producedannually. Doncaster has the largest output of minerals of anyMetropolitan Borough, and is one of the main mineral planningauthorities, overall, in the country.

KeyFact

Minerals 223

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

M 4NON-MINERAL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE SAFEGUARDING AREASWILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED WHERE IT IS CONSIDERED THATTHE DEVELOPMENT WOULD RESULT IN THE STERILISATION OF AMINERAL DEPOSIT OF LIMITED OCCURRENCE, OTHER THAN INACCORDANCE WITH POLICY M5. WITHIN THE SAFEGUARDING AREADEVELOPERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO ESTABLISH THE PRESENCE OROTHERWISE OF MINERALS OF LIMITED OCCURRENCE PRIOR TO NON-MINERALS DEVELOPMENT.

12.21 Large Safeguarding Areas havebeen designated to cover the majorityof the Doncaster sand and gravel areas.It is likely that good quality sand andgravel deposits will be in increasinglyshort supply, and, although theBorough Council believe that thePreferred Areas and Areas of Searchprovide an adequate reserve, it isanxious to avoid the sterilisation of theremaining deposits of gravel and sharpsand. Soft (or building or asphalting)sand underlies virtually the whole ofthe eastern half of the Borough,forming the Sherwood (or Bunter)sandstone. As such, soft sand wouldnot be defined as a mineral deposit oflimited occurrence. The question ofwhether a surface development wouldresult in the sterilisation of mineralsis a difficult one, and will depend onthe relative values (economic andother) of the mineral and the surfacedevelopment, at different points intime. The Safeguarding Areas arelargely designated as CountrysidePolicy Areas and surface developmentis limited to those developmentsdetailed in the relevant Environmental

Policies. The developments permittedby these policies include minordevelopments and potentially majordevelopments, appropriate to a ruralarea. It is not considered that the minordevelopments permitted would resultin the sterilisation of minerals. Anylarger scale developments permittedwhich could potentially steriliseminerals will be expected to complywith Policy M5. It is not therefore

The Extraction of Minerals before Development

M 5WITHIN THE SAFEGUARDING AREAS, WHERE ANY FORM OF NON-MINERALS DEVELOPMENT IS TO BE PERMITTED IN LOCATIONS WHERESURFACE MINERALS OF LIMITED OCCURRENCE ARE WORKABLE,EXTRACTION OF THE MINERALS WILL NORMALLY BE REQUIRED INADVANCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT WHEREVER THIS IS FEASIBLE. THEFEASIBILITY OF PRIOR EXTRACTION WILL BE ASSESSED INACCORDANCE WITH RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONPOLICIES AND ACCOUNT WILL BE TAKEN OF THE LIKELY TIMESCALEOF EXTRACTION. THE PRIOR EXTRACTION OF MINERALS SHOULD TAKEPLACE ONLY WHERE THE RESULTANT LANDFORM AND WATER TABLEWILL BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE INTENDED AFTERUSE.

12.22 An alternative to the restrictionof development within theSafeguarding Areas is the priorextraction of minerals. With certaindevelopments such as landreclamation, colliery spoil tipping,new roads or fish pond construction,

the prior extraction of minerals mayoften be possible. Mineral extractioncan, however, take several years tocomplete and may involve loweredlandforms and altered water tables. Inthe case of built development, thesefactors may result in the prior

extraction of minerals beingunfeasible. In such a situation therelative merits, in planning terms, ofthe non-mineral development will bebalanced against the potential loss ofthe minerals.

intended to preclude all developmentwithin the Safeguarding Area but toensure that developments which couldpermanently sterilise significantvolumes of minerals take place onlyon land proved not to contain workablesand and gravel or on landincapable of working on physical,environmental, or other planninggrounds.

224 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

M6THE COUNCIL, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE OTHER SOUTH YORKSHIREMETROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCILS, WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MAINTAINA LANDBANK OF PERMITTED RESERVES OF AGGREGATES, WITHIN THEFRAMEWORK OF THE COUNCIL’S CONTRIBUTION TO MEETING ITSSHARE OF THE REGIONAL APPORTIONMENT, ON THE ADVICE OF THEYOKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE REGIONAL AGGREGATES WORKINGPARTY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL GUIDANCE, UNLESSEXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES PREVAIL.

Landbanks

12.23 A landbank is a stock of planni-ng permissions for the winning andworking of minerals. In the case ofaggregate minerals, the Government’spolicy is that Mineral PlanningAuthorities (MPA’s)should aim to maintain a landbank, foran appropriate local area, provided thatthe industry come forward withapplications in the right place and atthe right time. For the purposes ofaggregate landbanks, the BoroughCouncil considers that the appropriatelocal area is the former SouthYorkshire County, comprising ofSheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham andDoncaster. The UDP has beenprepared to reflect the localapportionment of the RegionalGuidelines in MPG6, as follows:

1992 - 2006Crushed Rock - 76mtSand and Gravel - 11mt

The landbank will therefore becalculated on the above provision,expressed on an annual basis (i.e. forcrushed rock, annual provision = 76divide 15 = 5.1 Mt. p.a.). However, inconsidering the extent to which thelandbank requirement and the actuallandbank represent real need and realsupply, the Borough Council will alsotake into account the actual levels of

production in recent years, comparedwith the local apportionment of theRegional Guidelines.

12.24 The Borough Council, inconjunction with the other SouthYorkshire Metropolitan BoroughCouncils, will aim to maintain alandbank for aggregates in accordancewith Government policy, providedthat the industry come forward withappropriate applications, insofar asthis is compatible with the principleof sustainability. A commitment tomaintain a landbank (of whatever timeperiod), irrespective of other factors,would however, be inconsistent withthe principle of sustainability and theGovernment’s objective of inducing agreater use of alternative sources ofaggregates supply, and may well notencourage the efficient use ofaggregates. The commitment to aim tomaintain a landbank, therefore,complements the policies in the UDPand must be read in conjunction withthose policies. The policies in theUDP, in particular Policy M1, set theframework for the supply of aggregatewithin which a landbank commitmentmust operate. It is considered that theresources identified in the PreferredAreas and the Areas of Search,together with existing availablepermitted reserves, are sufficient to

provide for the maintenance oflandbanks and the local apportionmentof the Regional Guidelines, and willensure that there will be an adequateand steady supply of aggregates for theconstruction industry. As planningpermission will normally be grantedwithin Preferred Areas (Policy M1),the onus is on the industry to ensurethat appropriate applications areforthcoming, and a landbank therebymaintained. In the interest ofsustainability, planning permission foraggregates extraction will only begranted outside Preferred Areas incertain exceptional circumstances (seePolicies M1 M2 and M5). In theconsideration of applications forminerals extraction, the environmentalimplications of granting planningpermission and all other materialconsiderations including sustainabilityand the need to maintain a landbankwill be taken into account.

12.25 Mineral extraction sites withremaining reserves which have beenused to calculate a landbank for SouthYorkshire are listed in Appendix 12.3and are shown (with the exception ofLindrick Dale and Harry Croft quarrieswhich are within the Borough ofRotherham) on the accompanyingmap.

Future Limestone Working

12.26 Preferred Areas have beenallocated for limestone working atStainton, Hampole and Skelbrooke.Details of these Preferred Areas aregiven in Appendix 12.1. Althoughmineral extraction will normally bepermitted within Preferred Areas, thisdoes not necessarily mean thatworkings will be permitted over thewhole of the Preferred Areas shownon the proposals map, or right up to

the boundary of the Area. All mineralapplications will be expected tocomply with the environmental/amenity protection policies, and inmost cases effective screening aroundthe extraction site will be required.

12.27 A significant proportion oflimestone output from Doncaster’squarries is used for specialisedindustrial purposes, rather than for

aggregates. A requirement for thecontinuing supply of industriallimestone has been taken account ofin the assessment of current reservesand it is considered that existingreserves of specialised industriallimestone are sufficient for the planperiod. Any proposals for industriallimestone will be considered inaccordance with Policy M16.

Minerals 225

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

12.28 The allocation of land for futureworking of sand and gravel reservesis more problematical. Deposits arebecoming scarce and viable depositsare more difficult to locate due to theirscattered and variable nature.Consequently, sites on which there isreasonable geological evidence of a

Future Sand and Gravel Working

viable deposit have been designated asPreferred Areas. Other relatively largeareas of land, on which geologicalinformation is more limited, have beenidentified as Areas of Search, thoughnot all land within these Areas may beviable or suitable for mineralextraction.

12.29 In addition much of the landwhich contains sand and gravel is ofgood agricultural value. In such asituation it may not be possible toavoid working grade 3 and some grade2 land, and therefore operators willbe expected, where possible, to restorethe land to its former quality.

Borrow Pits.

M7APPROVAL FOR BORROW PITS WILL ONLY BE GRANTED WHERE:

a) THE PROPOSAL WOULD RESULT IN OVERRIDING ENVIRONMENTALAMENITY BENEFITS, COMPARED WITH OBTAINING THE MATERIALFROM ALTERNATIVE SOURCES,

b) THE SITE IS LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE MAJOR CONSTRUCTIONOR ENGINEERING PROJECT IT IS INTENDED TO SUPPLY,

c) PROPOSALS INCLUDE APPROPRIATE RECLAMATION MEASURESWHICH MAKE FULL USE OF SURPLUS SPOIL FROM THE PROJECT,

d) THEY ARE TIME LIMITED TO THE LIFE OF THE PROJECT ANDMATERIAL IS TO BE USED ONLY FOR THE SPECIFIED PROJECT.

12.30 A borrow pit is a temporarymineral working, used solely to supplymaterial to a specific constructionproject, particularly roads. For suchprojects, large quantities of materialsmainly bulk fill, are often requiredover a short time scale. Borrow pitsare usually located in close proximityto the construction site, and the voidscreated are normally back filled withunusable material such as soft clay,which is produced by the constructionproject and which needs to be disposedof - hence the material excavated fromthe pit is “borrowed”. In certaincircumstances the use of borrow pitsto supply material to constructionprojects can have significantenvironmental and/or amenity

benefits: the most obvious being theavoidance of heavy traffic on publichighways. Other benefits may includethe utilisation of a resource whichwould otherwise be sterilised, and thebest utilisation of mineral resources byuse of lower grade materials in placeof higher grade. In general however,it should normally be possible to meetrequirements for bulk fill material andother aggregates from local establishedquarries or from waste materials. Thequantities and specification ofmaterials required for the constructionproject will be assessed in the contextof the level and location of existingpermitted reserves. Where low gradematerial is required, the possibility ofutilising waste materials (e.g., colliery

spoil) will be considered in the contextof Government advice and PolicySM7. Borrow pits will only bepermitted therefore when a clearenvironmental/amenity gain overalternative sources of supply can bedemonstrated. Advance planning isessential to ensure that any borrow pitcan be developed within the timescalerequired. Consultations on mineralproposals can be lengthy and timeconsuming, for example, ifarchaeological remains are presentthese may require a full and lengthyinvestigation before any mineral canbe extracted. Submitting proposalsafter contracts are let is unlikely toallow sufficient time if suchcomplications exist.

SM 2PROPOSALS FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT OTHER THANAGGREGATE MINERALS WILL BE ASSESSED ON THEIR MERITSAGAINST ALL MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDINGNATIONAL POLICY AND RELEVANT UDP POLICIES.

MINERALS OTHER THAN AGGREGATES

12.31 Apart from aggregate minerals,other potential mineral resourceswithin Doncaster include peat, clay,industrial limestone, natural gas, oiland coal. Unlike aggregates, there isno formal framework, such as theRegional Aggregates Working Parties,

for the future supply of these minerals,and no Areas of Search have beenallocated. Proposals for extraction willbe assessed on the basis of nationalpolicy and specific UDP policies.“Minerals development” includesdevelopment consisting of the winning

and working of minerals, the erectionof associated, ancillary plant/buildings, the use of land in connectionwith the winning and working ofminerals, and mineral exploration.

226 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

M 8THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL NORMALLY SUPPORT EXPLORATIONDRILLING FOR OIL AND GAS, SUBJECT TO RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION POLICIES.

OIL AND GAS

12.32 The Borough Council is awareof its responsibilities in contributingto the supply of energy resources butit also has a duty to protect the interestsof local residents by ensuring that

drilling and production operations donot unduly disturb residents. Whereverpossible derelict or degraded sitesshould be utilised rather thanagricultural land and proposals for

suitable restoration should beincluded. Proposals for oil and gasexploratory drilling will be consideredin the context of relevantenvironmental protection policies.

M 9FOLLOWING AN INITIAL DISCOVERY OF OIL AND GAS BEARINGFORMATION, EXPLORATION COMPANIES WILL NORMALLY BEREQUIRED TO SUBMIT AN OVERALL SCHEME FOR THE APPRAISAL ANDDELINEATION OF THE RELEVANT FIELD. PLANNING APPLICATIONS FORFURTHER EXPLORATORY DRILLING IN THE AREA WILL BE DETERMINEDIN THE LIGHT OF SUCH A SCHEME.

12.33 Following a successfulexploratory borehole further boreholesare necessary to fully delineate the oilor gas field.

M 10PROPOSALS FOR FACILITIES REQUIRED FOR COMMERCIALPRODUCTION WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF ANOVERALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME AGREED BETWEEN THE APPLICANTAND THE BOROUGH COUNCIL, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE FULLDEVELOPMENT OF THE OIL OR GAS FIELD, TOGETHER WITH ANYOTHER FIELDS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY WHENEVER POSSIBLE.

12.34 Should production be a viableproposition, production wells andsurface installations will be required.

Commercial development of an oil andgas field may require the installationof a number of production well heads

connected to a gathering station withassociated pipelines and storagefacilities.

M 11TRANSPORTATION OF OIL OR GAS BY ROAD TANKER WILL NOTNORMALLY BE PERMITTED EXCEPT WHERE:

a) IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED THAT MOVEMENT BY OTHER METHODSIS NOT COMMERCIALLY FEASIBLE AND;

b) THE NUMBER OF TRIPS INVOLVED AND THE NATURE OF THE ROADSTO BE TRAVERSED ARE UNLIKELY TO CREATE ANY SIGNIFICANTINCREASE IN ROAD DANGERS.

12.35 In the interests of safety theBorough Council will look toCompanies to transport oil bypipelines to their end users. Safety of

oil and gas installations is ofimportance to determining anyplanning proposals and the BoroughCouncil will liaise closely with the

Health and Safety Executive andBritish Coal on matters relating to oiland gas exploration and development.

M 12THE EXTRACTION OF PEAT WILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED.

Minerals 227

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

12.36 Peatland sites can provideparticularly rich, distinctive andincreasingly rare habitats, and mayalso be important on archaeologicaland palaeo-ecological grounds.Within Doncaster, peat extractiontakes place on Thorne and HatfieldMoors and the UDP contains specificpolicies for these major sites. Outsidethe Moors however, there are some

small remaining areas of activepeatlands (most of which have beendesignated as sites of importance fornature conservation). In addition,there are large areas, of mainlyagricultural land, which are underlainby peat. While some natureconservation interest can survivetraditional hand-cutting of peat,mechanical extraction can be very

damaging to both nature conservationand archaeological interests. Theextraction of peat will thereforenormally only be permitted inaccordance with Policy M 17(Development involving incidentalmineral extraction) and will berequired to comply with relevantEnvironment Policies ENV 38 andENV 43.

COAL

Open Cast Coal

M 13THE WORKING OF COAL BY OPEN CAST METHODS WILL ONLY BEPERMITTED WHERE:

a) THE EXTRACTION AND SUBSEQUENT RESTORATION OF COAL WILLLEAD TO OVERALL BENEFITS, IN PARTICULAR, THROUGH THECLEARANCE OF DERELICT, DEGRADED, DESPOILED ANDNEGLECTED LAND, AND WHERE SUCH DEVELOPMENT IS NOTDETRIMENTAL TO THE PROGRAMMING OF KEY PROPOSALS FORTHE PLANNED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REGENERATION OFTHE BOROUGH.

b) COAL WOULD OTHERWISE BE STERILISED BY OTHER FORMS OFDEVELOPMENT AND WHERE EXTRACTION CAN BE CARRIED OUTIN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE WAY, AND WHERE THERESULTING LANDFORM AND THE PROJECTED TIME SCALE ARECOMPATIBLE WITH THE INTENDED AFTER-USE.

12.37 Opencast coal extraction is oneof the most controversial andpotentially damaging forms ofdevelopment. Although temporary innature, large sites can last for five toten years, and successive areas ofworking in the same vicinity can causeeconomic and environmental blight formany years to local communities.Particular problems of open castingrelate to noise, dust, blasting andtraffic generation, together with lossof visual amenity as a result ofstockpiles and open workings andthrough the loss of mature landscapes.Although standards of restoration arenow generally high, disturbedlandscapes can take many years torecover and agricultural productivityon restored land can be affected. Ingreenfield locations, and on sites closeto urban areas or principaltransportation corridors, open castingcan not only have a disruptive impacton local amenity and the environment,but can also cause severe localeconomic problems by conditioningthe external perception of an area andby serving to deter inward investment.

12.38 In some circumstances however,open casting can create community

benefits and new facilities by theclearance and rehabilitation of derelictand degraded areas, and this processmay help to justify temporary loss ofamenity. In addition, where non-minerals development would steriliseworkable coal deposits, the priorextraction of the coal may be feasible,provided that subsequent landformsand the timescale of extraction arecompatible with the non-mineraldevelopment. The amount of coalpermitted for extraction in suchcircumstances will be related to theextent of the non-mineral developmentand the consequent extent ofsterilisation. Policy M 13 (b) will notbe construed as providing justificationfor extensive open casting in conflictwith relevant UDP policies. Opencasting can also provide employmentand other economic benefits.

12.39 Shallow deposits of coal,capable of being worked by open castmethods, are limited to the westernboundaries of the Borough, within theexposed coalfield. Much of theexposed coalfield within Doncaster ishowever attractive open countryside,some of which has been designated asAreas of Special Landscape Value in

the UDP. In accordance with PoliciesENV 17 and M 22, proposals for opencast coal extraction which woulddamage or destroy these valuablelandscapes will normally be refused.The area of the shallow coal field isshown on the Proposals Map.

12.40 The Borough Council willtherefore only permit schemes whichpromote environmental improvementsand which contribute to the economicregeneration of the Borough within areasonable timescale. Individualproposals for open cast coal workingwill be assessed against the followingcriteria:-

a) the employment and othereconomic effects of the proposals;

b) any environmental improvementsor other material planning benefitslikely to result from the proposals;

c) the effects on agriculture;landscape; features of arch-a e o l o g i c a l , a r c h i t e c t u r a l ,historic or natural interest; and,local amenity;

d) the effects on hydrology;

228 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

e) the environmental impacts oftransportation of minerals andwaste;

f) the cumulative impacts of inproposals conjunction with sitescurrently working or being restoredprior to rehabilitation and sites withthe benefit of planning permission but

which have not commenced (but notprospective sites for which noplanning application has been made);

g) the avoidance of sterilisation ofmineral resources;

h) the efficient and economic workingof other mineral deposits;

Underground Coal Mining

M 14IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR THE WORKING OF COAL, OR FORCOAL GASIFICATION, BY UNDERGROUND METHODS, ACCOUNT WILLBE TAKEN OF THE EFFECTS OF SUBSIDENCE. THE SENSITIVITY OFLAND, STRUCTURES AND SUBSURFACE INSTALLATIONS SHALL BETAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE DESIGN OF MINE WORKINGS IN ORDERTO MINIMISE SUBSIDENCE EFFECTS.

12.41 Despite continuing closures ofcoal mines, the possibility of newproposals for underground coalmining remains. The British CoalCorporation’s permitted developmentrights to work coal are confined to a“designated seam area” as identifiedin “seam plans” which have beendeposited with the Mineral PlanningAuthority. Any proposals to work coaloutside these designated seam areaswill require planning permission.Proposals for underground workingsshould take into account the nature andsensitivity of land and development on

the surface including subsurfaceinstallations such as pipes, cables andtunnels, etc. Certain areas, land uses,(including agriculture), buildings andstructures can be particularlysusceptible to mining subsidence. Thesensitivity of these features should betaken into account in the design,layout, location and phasing ofunderground mine workings byselection of the appropriate miningdimensions, i.e. width of panel andpillar, distance of advance or retreatand thickness of extraction.12.42 In addition to normal

underground methods of coalextraction, techniques are beingdeveloped for treating coal in the strataby means such as coal gasification. Itis considered that such techniques,involving the creation of new surfaceaccess to underground workings andsurface developments outsideauthorised sites are not covered byexisting permitted development rightsand any such proposals will requirespecific planning permission.

Existing Colliery Sites

M 15SURFACE DEVELOPMENT AT EXISTING COLLIERIES WILL BE CONFINEDTO THE AUTHORISED SITES SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, OTHERTHAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY SWD 8. NON-MININGDEVELOPMENTS PERMITTED ON COLLIERY SITES WILL BE LIMITEDTO THE LIFE OF THE COLLIERY. IN THE EVENT OF COLLIERY CLOSURETHE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER PROPOSALS FOR THEAFTERUSE OF FORMER COLLIERY SITES (AND FOR COAL WASHINGOF COLLIERY TIPS WHERE NO RESTORATION CONDITIONS APPLY) INRELATION TO THE FOLLOWING:

a) THE POLICIES AND PROPOSALS OF THE UDP; AND

b) SURROUNDING LAND USES; AND

c) ACCESS AND TRAFFIC; AND

d) AMENITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS; AND

e) THE ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL REGENERATION OFTHE LOCALITY.

i) the avoidance of unplannedpiecemeal working of deposits; and,

j) where development is acceptable inprinciple, the range of conditionslikely to be needed to mitigate orcontrol any potential adverseeffects.

Minerals 229

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

12.43 Policy M 15 acknowledges theexisting operational colliery sites towhich coal mining operations willnormally be confined. Proposals forcolliery waste disposal outside theboundaries of the defined colliery siteswill be considered within the contextof Policy SWD 8 (see Chapter 13). TheBorough Council strongly supports theretention of the existing operational

collieries for the employment whichthey provide, invariably in areas whereunemployment levels are relativelyhigh. However, in the event of closure,the above policy provides a context forconsideration of any subsequentproposals for afteruse. Non-miningdevelopments which could continueindependently on the closure of thecolliery could present problems in any

Clay, Industrial Limestone and Other Minerals

M 16IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF CLAY,INDUSTRIAL LIMESTONE AND OTHER MINERALS NOT COVERED BYSPECIFIC UDP POLICIES, ACCOUNT WILL BE TAKEN OF THE NEED FORTHE MINERAL WHERE THE PROPOSAL WOULD CAUSE DEMONSTRABLEHARM TO INTERESTS OF ACKNOWLEDGED IMPORTANCE, AND OTHERRELEVANT UDP POLICIES.

12.44 The current landbank forindustrial limestone (as of 1.1.92) is20 million tonnes which at currentrates of production will be sufficientfor well in excess of 40 yearsproduction. It is not expectedtherefore that there will be anyrequirement for new areas forindustrial limestone during the planperiod. Should any future need forindustrial limestone arise, however,proposals will be assessed on the basisof demonstrable need, and otherrelevant UDP policies. Industriallimestone is extracted from quarries inDoncaster which also produce

aggregate minerals. Opportunitiesmay arise, as with aggregate and forother minerals, for gaining significantenvironmental and/or amenity benefitsby the consolidation of existingplanning permissions, in accordancewith Policy SM 5. In this situationthere may be justification for grantingnew areas for extraction, provided thatsignificant benefits can be achieved.

12.45 It is expected that there will besome demand for clay minerals duringthe plan period, in particular for thelining and capping of landfill sites.Proposals for clay extraction will be

assessed on the basis of demonstrableneed and other relevant UDP policies.

12.46 Proposals may be forthcomingin the future for minerals notspecifically covered by UDP policies.In the consideration of any suchproposals account will be taken of allrelevant UDP policies and thedemonstrable need for the mineral.Where proposals are required todemonstrate the need for the mineral,the level of detail required will becommensurate with the projectedenvironmental impact of the proposedworking.

Development Involving Incidental Mineral Extraction

M 17THE EXTRACTION OF MINERALS AS A NECESSARY ELEMENT OF OTHERDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WILL BE ACCEPTABLE PROVIDED:

a) THERE ARE NO UNDUE ENVIRONMENTAL OR OTHER IMPACTSRESULTING FROM MINERAL EXTRACTION;

b) THERE ARE ADEQUATE INTERIM RECLAMATION MEASURES TOALLOW FOR POSSIBLE DELAYS OR NON-IMPLEMENTATION OFTHE PRIMARY DEVELOPMENT;

c) THE MINERAL EXTRACTION IS OF A LIMITED NATURE AND SHORTDURATION.

12.47 On occasions ‘non-mineral’development may involve theextraction of limited quantities ofminerals. For example, ground mayhave to be regraded to create a levelfloor for building houses or factories,or clay, peat or sand and gravel mayneed to be removed in the excavationof fishing ponds, etc. Where mineral

extraction is clearly a limited activity,essential to allow another developmentto take place, permission willnormally be granted subject toappropriate conditions to protectamenity.

Proposals for development involvingminerals extraction will need to

comply with relevant UDP policies onEnvironmental Protection and workingand reclamation. In particular, interimreclamation proposals must beincluded in the event of the primarydevelopment being delayed, or failingto be implemented.

redevelopment proposals. Any suchdevelopments permitted will besubject to a condition requiring theremoval of buildings and plant and thecessation of any use within a periodof 24 months from the date whenmining operations have permanentlyceased, or any longer period which theMPA agree in writing.

230 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

Ancillary and Non Minerals Development on or Adjacent to Mineral Working Sites

M 18IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR THE ERECTION OF PLANT ORBUILDINGS ACCOUNT WILL BE TAKEN OF THE EFFECT OF THEPROPOSAL ON THE AMENITY OF THE AREA. CONDITIONS WILLNORMALLY BE IMPOSED TO CONTROL THE SITING AND APPEARANCEOF PLANT AND BUILDINGS. THE LIFE OF ALL SUCH PLANT ANDBUILDINGS WILL BE TIED TO THE LIFE OF THE ASSOCIATED MINERALWORKING.

12.48 Quarry and ancillary plant,machinery and buildings can be veryobtrusive by virtue of their height,construction and operations. The useof such plant can also affect theamenity of the area through thegeneration of extra traffic. Approvalfor such plant and buildings will only

be granted where the impact on localamenity is considered acceptable. Aswell as developments associated withmineral workings it may, in certaincircumstances, be appropriate toallow secondary or non-mineraldevelopment on or adjacent to mineralworking sites. The life of all

developments will be related to the lifeof the associated mineral workings inorder to facilitate the reclamation/redevelopment and after use of themineral site. Mineral workings can bedefined as sites where the winning andworking of minerals takes place.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

SM 3PROPOSALS FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT WILL BE CONSIDEREDIN TERMS OF THE EFFECT ON LOCAL AMENITY, AGRICULTURE,NATURE CONSERVATION, SCIENTIFIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICALINTERESTS, LANDSCAPE, WATER RESOURCES, FLOOD DEFENCES,LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS, ACCESS, TRAFFICGENERATION, PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY, THE HIGHWAY SYSTEM ANDALL RELEVANT UDP POLICIES.

12.49 The UDP seeks to conserve andimprove the Borough’s environmentthrough attention to a number of areasof policy, contained within theEnvironment and TransportationChapters. The environmentalacceptability of proposals for mineralsdevelopment, including the winningand working of minerals andassociated developments, is ofparamount importance in assessingsuch proposals. All proposals forminerals development will beexpected to comply with all relevantEnvironment, Transport and otherpolicies.

12.50 In certain circumstances a fullEnvironmental Assessment, under theprovisions of the Town and CountryPlanning (Assessment ofEnvironmental Effects) Regulations1988, will be required. TheRegulations apply to two separate listsof projects: Schedule 1 projects, forwhich Environmental Assessment(EA) is required in every case,includes major developments such aslarge power stations, oil refineries, etc.

Schedule 2 projects, including theextractive industry, will requireEnvironmental Assessment if they arelikely to have significant effects on theenvironment by virtue of factors suchas their nature, size or location.Whether or not mineral workingswould have significant environmentaleffects so as to require EnvironmentalAssessment (EA) will depend uponsuch factors as the sensitivity of thelocation, size, working methods, theproposals for disposing of waste, thenature and extent of processing andancillary operations and arrangementsfor transporting minerals away fromthe site. The duration of the proposedworkings is also a factor to be takeninto account. It is established mineralplanning policy that mineralsapplications in national parks andareas of outstanding natural beautyshould be subject to the most rigorousexamination, and this should generallyinclude EA. All new deep mines, apartfrom small mines, may merit EA. Foropen cast coal mines and sand andgravel workings, sites of more than 50ha may well require EA and

significantly smaller sites couldrequire EA if they are in a sensitivearea of if subjected to particularlyobtrusive operations. Whether rockquarries or clay operations or othermineral workings require EA willdepend on the location and the scaleand type of the activities proposed. Foroil and gas extraction the mainconsiderations will be the volume ofoil or gas to be produced, thearrangements for transporting it fromthe site and the sensitivity of the areaaffected. Where production is expectedto be substantial (300 tonnes or moreper day) or the site concerned issensitive to disturbance from normaloperations, EA may be necessary.Exploratory deep drilling would notnormally require EA unless the site isin a sensitive location or unless the siteis unusually sensitive to limiteddisturbance occurring over the shortperiod involved. It would not beappropriate to require EA forexploratory activity simply because itmight eventually lead to production ofoil or gas.

Minerals 231

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

M19REGARD WILL BE HAD TO THE EFFECT OF MINERALS PROPOSALS ONLOCAL AMENITY, BASED ON AN ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL IMPACT,DURATION OF WORKINGS, DUST, FUMES, AND NOISE GENERATIONWHILST TAKING INTO ACCOUNT SCREENING AND OTHER PROTECTIVEMEASURES AVAILABLE OR PROPOSED.

12.51 Mineral working may have adetrimental effect on local amenity andthe impact of workings will be takeninto account when assessing newproposals. The Borough Councilattaches great weight to the protectionof residential amenity. The impact of

mineral workings on residential andother sensitive property will vary inaccordance with a number of factors,including; the intervening distancebetween workings and property,topography and operationaltechniques. Proposals will be expected

to demonstrate that adequate distanceswill be maintained between workingsand sensitive property, to ensure thatimpacts on amenity including noise,dust, blasting, vibration and fumes arekept at an acceptable level.

Agriculture

M 20PERMISSION WILL NOT BE GRANTED FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENTAFFECTING THE BEST AND MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND(GRADES 1, 2 AND 3A) EXCEPT WHERE THERE IS SATISFACTORYEVIDENCE THAT THE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN WILL RESTORE THEAGRICULTURAL LAND TO ITS ORIGINAL QUALITY AND PHYSICALCHARACTERISTICS, SO FAR AS IT IS REASONABLY PRACTICABLE TODO SO.

12.52 Most of the land where depositsof limestone or sand and gravel occuris grade 2 or 3. Isolated areas of higherquality land may well exist within anygiven Preferred Area or Area of Searchmaking comprehensive analysis of

agricultural land quality difficult. Adetailed assessment of land qualitywill be required when an applicationis submitted for mineral workings inorder to effectively implementaftercare and restoration of the land.

In the case of the best and mostversatile land the feasibility of highquality restoration will be a materialconsideration.

Landscape Archaeology and Nature Conservation

12.53 Special policy considerationsapply to mineral proposals withincertain sensitive areas. It is expectedthat proposals for mineralsdevelopment in, or adjacent to, Sites

of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)national, local or non-statutory naturereserve or other sites of importance(whether scheduled or not) will beaccompanied by a full environmental

assessment where there is likely to bea significant effect on the environment.Advice will be sought fromappropriate authorities as to thelikelihood of any significant effects.

Sites of National and International importance for nature conservationand archaeology

M 21PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BEGRANTED WHERE THERE WOULD BE A CONFLICT WITH POLICY ENV37,ENV39 OR ENV 40. PROPOSALS FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENTWHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT SITES OF NATIONAL ORINTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE MOSTRIGOROUS EXAMINATION, WITH THE NEED FOR THE MINERAL BEINGBALANCED AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL AND OTHER RELEVANTPLANNING CONSIDERATIONS”;

12.54 Government policy for mineralsdevelopment within nationally andinternationally designated areas is thatall minerals applications must be

subject to “the most rigorousexamination”, and all mineraldevelopments should be demonstratedto be in the public interest before being

allowed to proceed. Consideration ofmineral applications in such areasshould therefore normally include anassessment of :- i. the need for the

232 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

development, in terms of nationalconsiderations of mineral supply; andthe impact of permitting thedevelopment, or refusing it, on thelocal economy; ii. whether alternativesupplies can be made available atreasonable cost; and the scope formeeting the need in some other way;iii. any detrimental effect of theproposals on the environment andlandscape and the extent to which thatshould be moderated; and iv. in thecase of extensions to existing quarries,the extent to which the proposal wouldachieve an enhancement to the locallandscape. Developments which

Thorne and Hatfield Moors have beenproposed for designation as SpecialProtection Areas (SPA’s) and Ramsarsites, under international agreements.The moors, or parts of the moors, mayin addition qualify for designation asSpecial Areas of Conservation(SAC’s) under E.C. legislation. Theparticular problems of Thorne andHatfield Moors, where peat, sand andgravel and gas extraction takes place,are addressed by specific policies(policies SM6 and M33 to M35) whichrequire an overall framework to beprepared, prior to the consideration ofany major mineral working.

would adversely affect the integrity ofthose sites referred to in ENV 37, ENV39 and ENV 40 (i.e. nationally andinternationally designated sites ofarchaeological and natureconservation value) will therefore onlybe allowed if there is no alternativesolution and if there is an overridingreason of public interest. Overridingreasons of public interest will beassessed in terms of social or economicneeds, or of human health or safety, orwider environmental consequenceswhich could take precedence over theimportance of the site. In the case ofinternationally important sites, both

Sites of Regional and Local Importance

M 22“PROPOSALS FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT WITHIN AREAS OFSPECIAL LANDSCAPE VALUE AND ADVERSELY AFFECTING SSIs &LOCAL NATURE RESERVES WILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTEDUNLESS THE NEED FOR THE MINERAL OUTWEIGHS ANYENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIONS, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO THELIKELY IMPACT ON THE LANDSCAPE AND ON NATURE CONSERVATIONINTERESTS AND IN TERMS OF POLICY ENV 41

12.55 Areas of Special LandscapeValue, Local Nature Reserves andSites of Scientific Interest (SSI’s)which are of more local importance butstill, nevertheless, a very significantelement of the Borough’s landscapeand natural heritage, have beendesignated in the proposals map.Within the Borough there are nostatutory constraint areas, such asNational Parks or Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty, relatingto landscape. The Areas of SpecialLandscape Value therefore representthe best landscapes within the Boroughand it is appropriate to afford thesevaluable landscapes a high degree ofprotection.

12.56 Minerals development, whethersurface working or surfacedevelopment associated withunderground workings, is likely inmany cases to result in the permanentloss of significant landscape featureswithin Areas of Special LandscapeValue, because of the destruction of thevalued landscape which mineralworking invariably involves. Mineralsdevelopment is also likely to have anadverse visual impact within ASLVs

because of the intrusive nature of suchworkings (i.e. through the creation ofstorage and screening mounds etc. andplant and equipment) within a ruralsetting. Planning permission forminerals development within ASLVswill therefore only be granted werethere is a demonstrable need for themineral, which cannot be met frompracticable alternative sources, andwere such a need outweighs the impacton the landscape and environment.Any proposal for mineralsdevelopment within an ASLV willnormally need to be accompanied byan Environmental Statement whichaddresses the question of alternativesites. (see para.12.50)

12.57 Within Sites of ScientificInterest and Local Nature Reserves thekey factor is the likelihood ofsignificant adverse impact. Mineralsdevelopment may, in certaincircumstances, afford the opportunityfor the creation of wildlife habitats andadvice will therefore be sought fromappropriate authorities on anyproposals for minerals developmentwithin SSI’s and Local NatureReserves. Permission will not

normally be granted for developmentwhich would adversely affect suchsites.

12.58 Policies M21 (national andinternational sites) and M22(Regional/local), together with thespecific policies addressing mineraldevelopment on Thorne and HatfieldMoors, reflect the relative significanceof international, national and regional/local designations in parallel withpolicies ENV39 (international),ENV40 (national) and ENV41(regional/local). In the considerationof minerals development, the samelevel of protection will be afforded tosites of national and internationalimportance (i.e. for proposals whichadversely affect such sites, need willbe assessed on a national basis). Forsites of regional/local importance, thelevel of protection afforded will not beas high as that given to national/international sites and need will beassessed on a more local basis. Whereplanning permission is granted forminerals development within suchsensitive sites, policies ENV38 andENV42 will be applied.

Minerals 233

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

Water Resources

M 23IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT, THEEFFECT ON WATER RESOURCES, INCLUDING WATER COURSES, FLOODDEFENCES, POLLUTION AND POSSIBLE DISTURBANCE TO SURFACEDRAINAGE AND GROUND WATER LEVELS, WILL BE TAKEN INTOACCOUNT.

12.59 In assessing the environmentalacceptability of mineral workingschemes the Borough Council willhave regard to the effects such

Highways and Traffic Considerations

M24PROPOSALS FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT WHICH INVOLVE THETRANSPORT OF MATERIALS WILL NEED TO DEMONSTRATE THATALTERNATIVES TO ROAD TRANSPORT SUCH AS RAIL, CANAL,OVERLAND CONVEYOR OR PIPELINE HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED AND,WHERE POSSIBLE, UTILISED IN PREFERENCE TO ROAD TRANSPORT.

12.60 Mineral workings can besubstantial generators of heavy traffic,often in rural locations. In consideringproposals for mineral workings suchmatters as the provision of a suitableaccess, routing of vehicles, othertransportation methods, and measuresto reduce environmental effects of theextra traffic generated will be takeninto account. All proposals will be

expected to comply with relevantpolicies contained within the UDPTransport Chapter, in particular PolicyT 5. In addition, all proposals whichinvolve the movement of bulkmaterials will be expected to considerthe scope for transferring some, or all,of the movement of such materialsfrom roads to less environmentallyintrusive alternatives. It is recognised

that, in Doncaster ’s particularcircumstances, where existing andproposed mineral sites are remote fromrailways and canals, the scope forutilising alternative transport modes issomewhat limited. Nevertheless, theBorough Council would like to see asmuch material as possible carried byrail or canal, rather than by road,whenever possible.

Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

12.61 Minerals development in, oradjacent to, Conservation Areas orListed Buildings may detract from thecharacter or appearance of theConservation Area or setting of the

Listed Building through, for example,visual impact or traffic generation.The effects of minerals developmenton Conservation Areas or ListedBuildings will be taken into account

in any proposal. All proposals will beexpected to comply with relevant UDPpolicies, in particular Policies ENV 25and ENV 34.

WORKING AND RECLAMATION

SM 4MINERAL EXTRACTION WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED SUBJECT TO ANAGREED SCHEME OF WORKING AND RECLAMATION WHICH MAKESPROVISION FOR ADEQUATE SCREENING, LANDSCAPING, THEMINIMISATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, AND RESTORATIONAND AFTERCARE TO A BENEFICIAL AFTERUSE.

workings may have on local waterresources and will seek guidance onthe likely implications for waterquality from appropriate authorities,

including the National RiversAuthority.

12.62 It is essential that mineralextraction and reclamation areproperly designed at the planningapplication stage to ensure that bothare technically and economicallyfeasible, and that their impact can befully assessed. “Restoration” refers tothe use of subsoil, topsoil and soilmaking material for the restoration of

the site following operations for thewinning and working of minerals.“Aftercare” relates to the managementof the site following restoration andincludes planting, cultivating,fertilising, watering, drainage orotherwise treating the land.“Reclamation” includes bothrestoration and aftercare but also

includes events which take placebefore and during mineral extraction(e.g. correct stripping and protectionof soils, tree planting, etc.) and mayalso include operations after extractionsuch as filling and contouring or thecreation of planned water areas.

234 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

M 25APPLICATIONS FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BEAPPROVED WHERE THEY PROVIDE FOR AN AGREED SCHEME OFWORKING WHICH MEETS THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA, WHEREAPPROPRIATE:

1. EVIDENCE OF A VIABLE DEPOSIT OF THE MINERAL;

2. DETAILED TIMESCALE OF ALL OPERATIONS;

3. ACCESS, IN PRINCIPLE AND IN DETAIL, MODE OF TRANSPORT, OFFSITE TRAFFIC ROUTING, VEHICLE CLEANSING;

4. LAYOUT OF OPERATIONAL AREAS INCLUDING SITING OF BUILDINGSAND ANCILLARY FACILITIES (INCLUDING OFFICES, CAR PARKS ANDPLANT PRODUCT STORAGE, ETC.);

5. PROTECTION OR DIVERSION AND REINSTATEMENT ASAPPROPRIATE OF ALL PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY;

6. RETENTION, MAINTENANCE OR REPLACEMENT OF ALL BOUNDARYFEATURES;

7. PRESERVATION, REPLACEMENT OR DIVERSION OF EXISTING SITEFEATURES AND SERVICES INCLUDING SAFEGUARDING OFCONSERVATION INTERESTS;

8. PROTECTION OR RE-ALIGNMENT OF WATERCOURSES ANDPROVISION OF ANY NECESSARY AFTER-DRAINAGE;

9. HOURS OF OPERATION;

10. METHOD AND HOURS OF BLASTING;

11. CONTROL OF NOISE AND DUST;

12. DETAILED SCHEME OF WORKING, INCORPORATING SITEPREPARATION, SOIL STRIPPING, SOIL AND SPOIL STORAGE ANDMETHODS OF SCREENING;

13. DETAILED SCHEME OF RECLAMATION;

14. DETAILED SCHEME OF LANDSCAPING;

15. DETAILED SCHEME OF AFTERCARE;

12.63 In order to assess theacceptability of proposals for mineralworkings it is expected that theapplication will include full details of

working arrangements, restoration andaftercare. Any such schemes shall bebased upon the information providedin the Minerals Supplementary

Information and Application Formsand will be expected to address theabove details, as appropriate.

M 26PLANNING PERMISSION FOR MINERAL WORKINGS WILL NORMALLYSPECIFY A LIMIT TO THE DURATION OF THE PERMISSION TO A SUITABLEPERIOD OF TIME.

12.64 Legislation requires allpermissions for mineral extraction tobe subject to a condition requiringdevelopment to cease not later than theexpiration of 60 years, or such shorter

or longer period as the MineralPlanning Authority may specify.Government advice suggests that thetime period should be appropriate tothe particular circumstances of the

case, and should take account of theneeds of the operator as well asplanning considerations.

M 27PROPOSALS FOR MINERAL EXTRACTION WILL NORMALLY BEREQUIRED TO PROVIDE FOR A PHASED SEQUENCE OF EXTRACTION,RESTORATION, RECLAMATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLANNEDAFTER-USE. CONDITIONS WILL NORMALLY BE ATTACHED TO MINERALSPERMISSIONS REQUIRING RESTORATION/RECLAMATION TOCOMMENCE ONCE SPECIFIED OPERATIONS ARE COMPLETED.

Minerals 235

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

12.65 Land is a scarce resource whichmust be restored for beneficial usesrather than adding to the stock ofdegraded and derelict land as hasoccurred in past mineral operations.

To this end all applications will berequired to address the question ofrestoration, landform and afteruse atthe earliest possible stage. Wheneverpractical, reclamation should be

phased to minimise the area of landtaken out of beneficial use at any onetime, and to ensure reclamation isachieved as quickly as possible.

M 28RECLAMATION PROPOSALS WILL BE GUIDED BY THE ENHANCEMENTSTRATEGIES IDENTIFIED IN THE LANDSCAPE STRATEGY OF THEBOROUGH. WHERE THE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER OR INDIVIDUALFEATURES HAVE SUFFERED, OR ARE LIKELY TO SUFFER, DECLINE ORDAMAGE AS A RESULT OF MINERAL WORKINGS THEN RECLAMATIONPROPOSALS WILL BE EXPECTED TO SEEK TO REINSTATE LANDSCAPESAND HABITAT TYPES, OR CREATE NEW LANDSCAPES WHEREAPPROPRIATE.

12.66 The Borough Council proposesto undertake a landscape assessmentof the Borough in order to describe andanalyse the character of the urban andrural landscape. Areas offeringpotential for enhancement anddiversification will be identified andprioritised. The strategy will providethe context for all those activitiesaffecting the landscape which theBorough Council can influencethrough use of its various powers andresources and through its partnerships/agreements with landowners andothers. Mineral workings by theirnature, can be prime sites for theimplementation of landscape

enhancement and creation strategies.The landscape strategy will thereforeinform decisions on the details ofreclamation schemes for mineralworkings.

12.67 In accordance with Policy M 20,development involving extractionfrom the best and most versatileagricultural land will normally berequired to restore such land back tohigh quality agricultural land. In aperiod of agricultural surpluses, Set-Aside land and farm diversification,however, the agricultural imperativeon land other than the best and mostversatile is not so strong and in some

cases, on such land, it may be moreappropriate to restore to alternativeafteruses such as recreation orconservation. Even when the land isrestored to an agricultural afteruse theoverall restoration scheme can oftenbenefit from the establishment ofponds, wetlands, native tree planting,geological features, or otherconservation features. In accordancewith Policy ENV43, the BoroughCouncil will encourage the provisionof such conservation features inrestoration schemes, whereappropriate, and in accordance withthe Borough’s Landscape Strategy.

M 29DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVING AMENITY, FORESTRY OR AGRICULTURALAFTERUSES WILL NORMALLY BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE FORAFTERCARE MANAGEMENT FOR A MINIMUM PERIOD OF FIVE YEARSFOLLOWING RESTORATION.

12.68 For developments involvingamenity, forestry or agriculturalafteruses, applicants will be expectedto provide details, as appropriate, ofaftercare schemes. For agricultural andforestry afteruses the Ministry of

Agriculture and/or the ForestryCommission will be consulted indrawing up an aftercare scheme. Foramenity afteruse the appropriateconservation/recreation authority willbe consulted, as appropriate. In some

cases restoration to water areas will notbe possible, particularly in the vicinityof aerodromes where problems of birdstrike exist.

Soils Handling

M 30WHERE THE PROPOSED AFTERUSE IS FOR AGRICULTURE,PROPOSALS FOR SOIL HANDLING, STORAGE AND REPLACEMENT WILLBE REQUIRED, WHICH WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF CONSULTATION WITHTHE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD, AS PART OFANY SCHEME FOR WORKING AND RESTORATION.

12.69 In order to ensure the successof land restoration the topsoil and

subsoils must be handled and keptproperly. To this end, applications will

be expected to address matters such asthe identification of soil making

236 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

M 32APPLICATIONS FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BEAPPROVED WHERE THEY PROVIDE FOR AND DESCRIBE METHODSOF LANDSCAPING WHICH MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

a) THEY PROVIDE FOR THE SITE OR FACILITY TO BE ADEQUATELYSCREENED AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE;

b) THEY PROVIDE FOR THE RETENTION OF EXISTING HEALTHY TREECOVER AROUND THE PERIPHERY OF THE SITE AND FOR THEPROTECTION OF THESE TREES FROM THE EFFECTS OFMINERAL OPERATIONS;

c) THEY PROVIDE FOR LANDSCAPING OF THE SITE WITH SUITABLETREE COVER AND HEDGEROWS TO BE IN KEEPING WITH THESURROUNDING AREA;

d) THEY PROVIDE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT OFTREES AND HEDGEROWS WHICH HAVE FAILED TO ESTABLISH.

materials and details of soil stripping,storage and replacement. Soils shouldonly be moved when they are in a

suitable condition and such movementneeds to be managed to preventcompaction and ensure acceptable

M 31WHERE MINERAL WORKINGS REQUIRE SOILS FOR RESTORATIONPURPOSES, PLANNING CONDITIONS WILL PROHIBIT THE REMOVAL OFTOPSOIL, SUBSOIL OR SOIL MAKING MATERIALS FROM THE SITE,UNLESS AN EXCESS OF SUCH SOILS HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. WHEREAMOUNTS OF SOIL ON SITE ARE INADEQUATE FOR SATISFACTORYRESTORATION ADDITIONAL SOILS OR SOIL MAKING MATERIAL MAY BEREQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE BOROUGHCOUNCIL.

12.70 Such soils are essential to theeventual success of the restorationscheme, and where insufficient soilsexist on site it may be necessary toobtain soils from elsewhere.

Landscaping and Screening

12.71 Trees and woodland are oftendisturbed by mineral workings whichcan have a significant visual impact onthe landscape. The policy is designed

IMPROVEMENTS AT MINERAL SITES

SM 5THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, SEEK TOSECURE ENVIRONMENTAL AND AMENITY IMPROVEMENTS ATMINERAL SITES BY ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

a) THE ISSUING OF MODIFICATION OR REVOCATION ORDERS;

b) THE CONSOLIDATION OF EXISTING PLANNING PERMISSIONS; AND

c) AGREEMENT.

to minimise visual disturbance and toensure that existing tree cover isconserved to provide screening, and toensure that the site is landscaped in

keeping with the surroundingcountryside.

restoration. Similarly ripping needs tobe undertaken before replacement ofeach soil layer.

Minerals 237

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

2.72 The Town and Country PlanningAct 1990 imposed a duty on everyMineral Planning Authority toundertake Reviews of mineral siteswithin their area. The Act offers theopportunity to modify or revokeplanning permissions and to includeprovisions for better operationalconditions or for restoration. Suchmodifications or revocations may beconfirmed subject to the payment ofcompensation. It is intended that peatworkings will be a priority in theReview process. In order to improvecontrol over the mineral operationswithin its area the Borough Councilwill implement those provisionsto secure improvements toenvironmentally disturbing aspects of

such operations, at the earliest possibletime. A number of operators havetaken the initiative and have alreadyagreed to improve conditions at anumber of quarries within theBorough.

12.73 Outside of, or in parallel with,the formal Review process,opportunities may arise for theachievement of environmental oramenity benefits by negotiation andagreement with operators, or by theconsolidation of existing permissions.Examples of such benefits includeupdated working practices, improvedlandscaping, screening andreclamation etc., and the surrender ofexisting extraction rights over land. In

this context “consolidation” refers tothe incorporation of one or moreexisting permissions into a single newpermission. Opportunities for theconsolidation of existing permission(s)will normally arise where an operatoris seeking an extension to the existingsite. The possibility of achievingsignificant benefits will be taken intoaccount in the consideration of suchproposals. In such a situation,proposals for extensions to mineralworkings will be expected to complywith all relevant UDP policies, andlegal agreements will be soughtinvolving the revocation of existingpermissions, without the payment ofcompensation.

THORNE AND HATFIELD MOORS

SM 6THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL, WITHIN THE LIMITATIONS OFAVAILABLE POWERS AND RESOURCES OPPOSE ANY FURTHERREDUCTION IN THE NATURE CONSERVATION INTERESTS ON BOTHTHORNE AND HATFIELD MOORS, IN PARTICULAR THE FURTHER LOSSOF VEGETATED AREAS, AND WILL NEGOTIATE WITH LANDOWNERSTO SECURE THE CONSERVATION OF THE WILDLIFE ANDARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF THE MOORS.

12.74 Thorne and Hatfield Moors arethe two largest remaining lowlandraised mires in Britain. Both have along history of peat extraction andsince 1950 both have the benefit ofplanning permissions for peatworking. These permissions containvery limited conditions governingworking and no conditions relating torestoration and aftercare.

12.75 In recent years the naturalhistory importance of these sites hasbeen more widely recognised. EnglishNature have designated both moors asSites of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI) under the Wildlife andCountryside Act 1981. In addition bothMoors are proposed by the JointNature Conservation Committee fordesignation as Special ProtectionAreas (SPA) under the EC BirdsDirective (79/409),and for listing as

Wetlands of International Importanceunder Ramsar Convention 1971. TheMoors also host priority habitats andare eligible for designation as SpecialAreas of Conservation (SACs) underthe EC Habitats Directive. Thorne andHatfield Moors are also an area ofarchaeological interest, havingevidence of past environmentalconditions and buried deposits oforganic remains such as woodwhich date to the prehistoric period.

12.76 Changes to methods ofextraction have resulted in large areasof both moors being drained andstripped of all vegetation prior tocutting or milling. Recent wildlifesurveys have indicated that theremaining areas of the moors are stillof extreme conservation value, thoughif modern methods of extractioncontinue in an uncontrolled manner

these areas too will be threatened. TheBorough Council, whilst recognisingthe presence of a planning permissionwill endeavour to protect theremaining vegetated areas both fromvegetation stripping and drainageworks.

12.76 Powers exist to revoke ormodify planning permissions, thoughthe expected level of compensationwhich such action would attract islikely to be beyond the financialresources of the Borough Council.The Council will press forGovernment assistance forconservation measures on the moorsand in pursuing the designation of themoors as Special Protection Areas andcontinue the negotiation process withlandowners in an attempt to minimisethe impact of peat workings on theacknowledged conservation interests.

238 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

M 29WITHIN AREAS AFFECTED BY EXISTING MINERAL EXTRACTION ONTHORNE AND HATFIELD MOORS, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEKTO PREVENT ANY FURTHER LOSS OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES,PARTICULARLY VEGETATED AREAS, THROUGH SUPPORT FORCONSERVATION AGREEMENTS REACHED BETWEEN ENGLISH NATUREAND LANDOWNERS/OPERATORS, AND THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS TOACHIEVE ACCEPTABLE WORKING, RECLAMATION AND AFTERCARESCHEMES.

12.77 Policy SM 6 is intended toprotect the Moors as far as possiblewithin currently available powers, and,in addition, enables any futurechanges, such as designation as

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)under the proposed E.C. HabitatDirective, to be taken advantage of.Policy M 29 specifically provides foragreements to be reached with

operators and English Nature for theprotection and for enhancement of theMoors.

M 30THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO PROTECT THE PEATLANDSFRINGE WOODLAND AS AN AREA OF IMPORTANT LANDSCAPE ANDCONSERVATION INTEREST. PROPOSALS FOR MINERALS EXTRACTIONWILL NOT NORMALLY BE PERMITTED.

12.78 Of equal and somewhatindependent importance is thewoodland fringe to the Moors. Theseform an important landscape elementin the east of the Borough, whilstproviding sanctuary for a diversewildlife population. Within such areas,minerals development is likely to havean adverse impact, both visually and

in relation to the destruction ofhabitats. On Thorne Moor, thewoodland fringes are included withinthe SSSI boundaries, and such areasare therefore covered by the provisionsof Policy M21. At Hatfield Moors, thefringe woodlands not included withinthe SSSI boundaries have beendesignated as SSIs in the UDP, and the

provisions of Policy M22 applies tothese Locally/Regionally importantareas. Permission for mineralsdevelopment will, therefore, only begranted in exceptional circumstanceswhere there is no reasonablealternative site in the locality.

M 31PROPOSALS FOR MINERALS DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD AFFECTTHORNE OR HATFIELD MOORS WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITHPOLICIES ENV 38, ENV 42 AND IMR 1 AND IMR 2. MINERALSDEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT THE MOORSWILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THATIS, WHERE THE DEVELOPMENT FORMS PART OF A PACKAGE OFPROPOSALS WHICH DEMONSTRATE THAT AN OVERALL IMPROVEMENTTO THE NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE OF THE MOORS WILL BEACHIEVED AND A COMMITMENT TO THE LONG TERM SAFEGUARDINGOF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES OF THEMOORS.

12.79 Mineral resources on and underthe Moors range from peat and sandand gravel on the surface, to gas andcoal underground. Other potentialresources may include oil andunderground coal gasification.Currently planning permissions existfor peat extraction and, on the westernpart of Hatfield Moor, sand and gravelextraction. Natural gas is alsoextracted, via a pipeline acrossHatfield Moors. New developmentsinvolving any of the above, whetheron or directly beneath the Moors or inthe vicinity of the Moors, could affect

the wildlife or archaeological value ofthe Moors.

12.80 Policy M 31 enables mineralsproposals to be addressed on a two tierbasis. Minor developments, whichwould not have a significant effect,would nevertheless, be expected toconsider and provide for a range ofbenefits related to the archaeologicaland nature conservation value of theMoors. Major developments whichwould have a significant effect, suchas large scale sand and gravelextraction will be considered on the

basis of an overall framework toreconcile the conflicting interests ofmineral working and natureconservation (and archaeology) on theMoors. Within such a frameworknegotiation will be sought to revokeexisting permissions for peatextraction. In the absence of any suchframework, however, it is notconsidered appropriate to allow anyfurther extraction of sand and gravelon Hatfield Moor, or any other majorminerals developments. Advice willbe sought from appropriate authoritiesboth statutory and non-statutory, on

Minerals 239

CH

AP

TE

R 1

2

whether proposed developments arelikely to have any significant effect,and on the preparation of overallframeworks for the Moors. Theowners/operators of the Moors haverecently reached agreement withEnglish Nature, involving the transferof the ownership of the Moors toEnglish Nature, and the lease back tothe operators of parts of the Moors forcontinued peat extraction. Althoughthe full details of the agreement are notavailable to the Borough Council, theagreement should result in theremaining vegetated areas of theMoors being protected. The BoroughCouncil will seek to negotiate withboth English Nature and operatorsover the future of the Moors and onthe preparation of an overallframework.

SM 7THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE USE OF SUITABLEMINERAL WASTE AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS ASSUBSTITUTES FOR PRIMARY (OR NATURAL) MINERAL PRODUCTS INORDER TO CONSERVE RESOURCES. THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL,HOWEVER, ONLY GRANT PERMISSION FOR THE EXTRACTION OFMATERIAL FROM MINERAL WORKING DEPOSITS AND DISUSEDRAILWAY EMBANKMENTS IF AN OVERALL ENVIRONMENTALIMPROVEMENT WILL RESULT AND IF THE LEVEL OFENVIRONMENTAL DISTURBANCE IS ACCEPTABLE.

RECYCLING OF MATERIALS

12.82 Natural mineral resources arelimited in extent and are non-renewable. Some mineral productsmay lend themselves to be recycledsuch as concrete and clay productswhilst mineral processing wastematerials such as pulverised fuel ashand colliery shales may also be

suitable substitutes for quarriedmaterials. The potential for recycledmaterials is great, but it only accountsfor a small percentage of totalmaterials used.

12.83 However the recycling ofmaterials may itself create

environmental disturbance, be itcrushing of concrete or reworking ofcolliery spoil tips. Only ifimprovements to the environmentresult will such operations beconsidered.

M 36PROPOSALS FOR THE REWORKING OF MINERAL WASTE TIPS ORRAILWAY EMBANKMENTS WHICH HAVE BECOME ESTABLISHEDLANDSCAPE FEATURES OR WHICH HAVE BEEN RESTORED TO ANACCEPTABLE STANDARD IN THE PAST WILL ONLY BE GRANTED WHERETHE PROPOSAL WOULD RESULT IN OVERRIDING ENVIRONMENTALBENEFITS.

12.84 UDP policies, including SM7and SWD2, encourage the re-use andrecycling of minerals waste and othermaterials as a substitute for “primary”minerals from greenfield sites. The re-use of such materials fits within theconcept of sustainable development,and means that less “primary” materialwill need to be extracted fromgreenfield sites. Many mineral waste

tips and railway embankments have,however, become well vegetated,either through restoration works orthrough natural regeneration, andmany of theses sites have becomeestablished landscape features orvaluable in recreational or natureconservation terms - for example somerailway embankments have beendesignated as Sites of Scientific

Interest (SSIs). The re-working of suchsites, may, therefore, create an impactas great as, or greater than, working agreenfield site, and Policy M32therefore requires that any proposalsfor the reworking of such sites willneed to establish that there will be clearenvironmental or amenity benefits.

240 Doncaster Unitary Development Plan

12.86 The Town and Country PlanningGeneral Development Order (GDO),(Part 22) provides permitteddevelopment rights to allow thecarrying out of certain small scale andtemporary exploratory operationsundertaken for the purpose ofexploiting minerals. The provision ofpermitted development rights meansthat a specific grant of planningpermission is not required in order tocarry out the specified operations.

12.87 The operations permitted are thedrilling of boreholes (except for oil orgas exploration), the making of otherexcavations (e.g. trial pits), thecarrying out of seismic surveys, andcertain related ancillary development.

12.88 Class A (of Part 22) permits thecarrying out of the operations specifiedfor a period of 28 days, subject tocertain specific limitations andconditions: these include a ban onoperations within 50 metres ofresidential property, hospitals orschools, a 12 metre limitation on theheight of equipment (reduced to 3metres within 3 kilometres of anaerodrome) and a ban on night timeworking. In addition, operations maynot be carried out within a NationalPark, an Area of Outstanding NaturalBeauty or a Site of Archaeological orSpecial Scientific Interest.

12.89 Class B permits the sameoperations to be carried out for alonger period, subject to less restrictivelimitations and conditions, but only ifthe developer gives the Mineral

M 37THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL HAVE REGARD FOR THE NUMBER OFMINERAL WASTE TIPS OR RAILWAY EMBANKMENTS TO BE WORKED INANY LOCALITY AND THE ANTICIPATED LEVELS OF TRAFFIC ANDENVIRONMENTAL DISTURBANCE, WHEN CONSIDERING PLANNINGAPPLICATIONS FOR REWORKING.

12.85 Because of the easy accessibilityof the material to be worked regardwill be had for the traffic that may be

MINERAL EXPLORATION

Planning Authority (MPA) 28 daysprior notification of his intentions.

12.90 While Class A grants permitteddevelopment rights for developers tocarry out exploratory operationswithout the necessity to notify theMPA, nevertheless, the sudden,unheralded appearance of drillingmachinery can give rise to publicconcern. In addition, drilling and otherexcavations can cause significantdamage to sites of archaeological andscientific value and liaison withrelevant authorities is required toestablish if the proposed explorationsite is located on a sensitive area.Some mineral development companiesand trade associations have publishedCodes of Practice which refer toliaising with relevant authorities at the

earliest possible date in the life ofmineral projects. Such commitmentsand Codes of Practice are welcomed,and the Borough Council wouldrequest that it be notified of all mineralexploration proposals, prior to thecommencement of such operations.

12.91 Oil and gas exploratory drillingrequires a specific grant of planningpermission, and this is covered byPolicy M8. Where other exploratoryoperations require a specific grant ofplanning permission (i.e. for longerthan the permitted time period, orwhere the proposed operation does notcomply with the specified limitationsand conditions) proposals will beconsidered in accordance with relevantenvironmental protection policies(SM3 and M19 - M24).

generated by such schemes and theconcentration of workings within anylocality which could result in an

unacceptably high level ofenvironmental disturbance.