THE Gloucestershire draft Minerals Local Plan, which has just closed initial consultation, is based on the intrinsic presumption in favour of the extraction of aggregates.

The plan has calculated a quantity to satisfy the future ‘need’ for aggregates and is designed to deliver at least that quantity.

Even though the plan recognises that these are finite resources and that extraction has considerable adverse community and environmental impacts, it encourages extraction anyway.

There are many alternative products containing less or no aggregates available to the construction industry, but it’s much easier to carry on using the same products that they’ve always used.

That is why the promotion of more sustainable products, especially ones using recycled materials, is crucial, with inducements for research and development of new products and support for those already in production.

By legislating – by means of planning strategy – for an increase in aggregates extracted, the plan is maintaining the opposite outcome and reinforcing the favoured position enjoyed by the existing aggregates industry.

The plan is a failure as a strategic planning document, especially for those people living near to the proposed Stowe Hill/Clearwell quarry extension.

Are objections made by Natural England, the Environment Agency and Forest of Dean District Council, among many others, to be ignored because those who draw up the Gloucestershire draft Minerals Local Plan can’t be bothered to adapt to the challenge of sustainability or, perhaps, are too influenced by the interests of the aggregate industry?

– Cllr Chris McFarling (Green) Forest of Dean District Council, Newland and St Briavels.