Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader of the Council with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment & Future Generations

Forward Plan Ref: 2024/279

Contact: Charlotte Simms, MWLP Principal Planner

charlotte.simms@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Economy and Place (CA10)

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

a)    Approve the Local Aggregate Assessment presented in Annex 2.

b)    Authorise the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Future Generations to make any revisions and publish the Oxfordshire Local Aggregate Assessment for the calendar year 2023 on the Council website.

Recommendations approved.

Cabinet had before it a report on the Local Aggregates Assessment (LAA) which set the level of mineral provision for the County Council as the Mineral Planning Authority, to ensure an appropriate supply for Sand and Gravel and Crushed Rock.  This provision level, known as the Aggregates Provision Rate (APR) was based on an assessment between the supply and demand of aggregates in Oxfordshire and forecast demand.

Councillor Pete Sudbury, Deputy Leader with Responsibility for Climate Change, Environment and Future Generations, presented the report.

The Principal Minerals and Waste Policy Planner answered a number of questions on the report.

During discussion, the following points were made:-

·        The assessment highlighted the balance between supply and demand for aggregates in Oxfordshire. It was noted that there is a sufficient supply of sand and gravel to meet the county's needs for the next 10 years.

·       There was a significant focus on the environmental impact of aggregate extraction. The report emphasised the need for sustainable practices and the importance of minimising the carbon footprint of extraction activities.

·       Members also referred to the importance of recycling and reusing materials to reduce the demand for new aggregates. It was noted that Oxfordshire has made significant progress in this area, with a high percentage of construction and demolition waste being recycled.

·       The report highlighted the role of planning and regulation in managing aggregate extraction. It was noted that strict planning controls were in place to ensure that extraction activities did not have a negative impact on local communities and the environment.

·       The assessment included projections for future aggregate demand, taking into account planned infrastructure projects and housing developments. It was noted that while demand is expected to increase, the county is well-positioned to meet this demand through a combination of new extraction sites and increased recycling.

Councillor Sudbury moved and Councillor Leffman seconded the recommendations, and they were approved.

 RESOLVED to:-

a)    approve the Local Aggregate Assessment presented in Annex 2.

b)    authorise the Director of Economy and Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Future Generations to make any revisions and publish the Oxfordshire Local Aggregate Assessment for the calendar year 2023 on the Council website.