NO MORE gravel or mineral extraction sites are being proposed for the borough, in a long-term plan now approved for consultation.
At the borough council executive meeting on Thursday, July 20, a public consultation for the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan has been approved.
The plan, which lasts until 2036, does not include any new extraction sites for the borough.
Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said: “This plan could be great news for our residents, because it should remove the fears some residents had about sites that had previously been considered.”
Wokingham Borough Council is working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council and The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on the joint plan.
It will be used to select future spots for sand and gravel extraction as well as recycling plants and waste treatment facilities, across the four areas.
The consultation will be for the proposed plan and supporting evidence, which is intended to go to the Secretary of State for an independent examination early next year.
It provides the final opportunity for people to comment on whether the plan is considered to be sound and legally compliant.
Consultation will run from Thursday, September 3, to Thursday, October, 15.
Earlier this year, a Swallowfield site was considered for the new plan, and a consultation took place to look at sand and gravel extraction on the land west of Basingstoke Road.
But in a win for local residents, the site has not been included in the plan.
Cllr Smith added: “This is an important milestone for minerals and waste planning not only in our borough, but also for our neighbours Bracknell Forest, Reading and Windsor and Maidenhead.
“This joint plan has been several years in the making, and brings together local knowledge and feedback from our residents to inform our approach going forward.
“It will ensure we have the minerals needed to build our key infrastructure such as roads and schools alongside new homes, and makes appropriate provision for dealing with the waste we produce.
“Working with our neighbouring Berkshire authorities really helps to address the cross-boundary nature of minerals and waste, and shows continued cooperation between the authorities that will support the joint plan at the public examination.”
What about the future?
The plan identifies locations of sand and gravel in the borough where geological data suggests extraction may be supported, subject to consideration through the planning application process.
A large number of industrial sites, some in the borough, have also been identified for potential waste management uses. These would still need to be considered through the planning application process.
These may be used to fulfill future demand.
To find out more, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk and search ‘minerals and waste’.
