Geodiversity and planning policy
National planning policies are prepared by the Government. They explain statutory provisions and provide guidance on planning policy and the operation of the planning system in relation to development and land use.
Planning Policy Statement 9: Biodiversity and Geological Conservation (PPS9)
This planning policy statement is a major step forward in terms of achieving greater recognition for geological conservation in the planning system in England.
Published in 2005, it gives geological conservation a higher profile by including it in its title and by making more specific reference to it throughout the policies. In particular, the policy statement makes a number of important statements about the need for the planning system to deliver geological conservation across the whole landscape, not just on protected sites.
Minerals and waste planning
Natural England has statutory responsibilities to respond to consultations from Mineral Planning Authorities (MPAs) on minerals and waste development proposals. For example, we may respond to consultations on protected areas and species.
Natural England is also authorised under Part 8 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 to fulfill the statutory role on behalf of the Secretary of State to give advice on whether:
- agriculture is an appropriate after-use to mineral extraction
- aftercare should be dealt with by condition or a scheme
- the condition/scheme is appropriate
- the steps specified in the aftercare condition/scheme are being taken
- development proposals are likely to lead to the loss of less than 20 hectares best and most versatile agricultural land.
