Consultation on future of quarry applications in County Durham

Crime Rigg Quary

We are asking the public to give views on the final version of its Minerals and Waste Policies and Allocations Document.

Future planning applications

This document aims to ensure mineral or waste developments, such as quarries or recycling centres, do not have adverse impacts on the environment, local communities, or people's health.

It will be used to influence future planning application decisions, with consideration being given to factors such as noise, air quality and dust, blasting vibration, and traffic and transport.

Waste disposal policies

The document also contains policies for extracting economically important minerals, such as lithium, and policies on the recovery and disposal of waste.

It also contains proposals for two new sand and limestone quarrying sites, and two new sites for waste disposal, with all four located within or adjacent to existing quarries in the county.

County Durham Plan

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "This consultation is the final stage in the development of our Minerals and Waste Policies and Allocations Document, which has been prepared through multiple stages of consultation.

"The document will complement the existing County Durham Plan, outlining a series of requirements for future planning applications to ensure any new developments are in the best interests of, and do not adversely affect, our communities and the environment."

Following the consultation, the document will be submitted to Government in May 2023.