Policy M2 of the Joint Minerals Local Plan (adopted in July 2018) requires us to undertake a review of the approach to planning for soft sand.
The review considers the supply and demand of soft sand during the plan period to 2033 and how a steady and adequate supply will be maintained, including the need for site allocations.
The timetable for preparation of the review is set out in the Minerals and Waste Development Scheme.
Submission of draft soft sand review
West Sussex County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority published the Proposed submission draft (Regulation 19) soft sand review of the Joint Minerals Local Plan on 6 January 2020 for a representations period that ended on 2 March 2020.
The Proposed submission draft soft sand review was submitted to the Secretary of State for examination on 17 April 2020. A Statement of Submission has been produced, setting out how documents are available for viewing.
In accordance with Regulation 22 of the Town and Country (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, the soft sand review was published prior to submission to allow for representations on the plan’s ‘soundness’ and legal and procedural compliance. The representations have been collated and reviewed and a Regulation 22 consultation statement prepared and submitted alongside the review.
Examination of the draft soft sand review
Mr Brian Sims (BSc CEng MICE MRTPI) has been appointed as the Planning Inspector to conduct the examination to determine whether the soft sand review is considered ‘sound’. The public examination hearings are expected to take place between July and August 2020, in line with the Minerals and Waste Development Scheme. If considered ‘sound’, it is anticipated that the soft sand review would be adopted in December 2020 and the changes incorporated into the Joint Minerals Local Plan.
An independent programme officer has been appointed to guide the review through the examination and to act as a conduit to the planning inspector. Any queries about the public examination or hearing sessions should be directed to the programme officer:
- Programme officer: Chris Banks
- Email: bankssolutionsuk@gmail.com
- Phone: 01903 783722
- Mobile: 07817 322750
Examination document library
An examination document library is now available and includes links to all the submission documents and background evidence. This is a living document and will be updated throughout the examination. It also includes detailed maps and aerial photographs of the three potential site allocations under the section ‘Council Documents’.