Views on mining and mineral sites sought
Planning chiefs in Staffordshire have hit the road as part of a bid to get people's views on new mineral mining sites.
Planning chiefs in Staffordshire have hit the road as part of a bid to get people's views on new mineral mining sites.
Council officers are spending a month touring the county to talk to community representatives and the public.
They want people's views about the contentious issue of mining and waste sites. The council is drawing up a crucial plan which will seek to balance a whole range of needs in mapping out where minerals can be extracted over the next decade, and where waste can be dealt with.
Among plans are thought to be bids to mine clay near the Poplars landfill site, Cannock, on land adjacent to Lichfield Road as well as an opencast mine on land off the A5 at the Turf Island near Norton Canes.
Experts are visiting districts across Staffordshire throughout October and November to discuss the issues and listen to people's views.
The roadshow will include panels and information with the planners on hand to discuss the issues and explain the details. They will be able to help people get on board using the internet.
The roadshow kicks off at Lichfield District Council offices at Frog Lane tomorrow between 10am and 4pm.
Staffordshire's cabinet member for economic regeneration Councillor John Wakefield said everyone was welcome to come along and find out more about how they can get involved.
He said: "We all need minerals to underpin our daily lives. Sand and gravel are key to the development of new homes, business and our transport infrastructure. Staffordshire is a major producer of these vital resources.
"Similarly we all consume resources and produce waste. Waste is the bi-product of prosperity and it is something we can't ignore. Staffordshire has to plan ahead to ensure we supply the minerals needed by our economy, and that we have the right locations to deal with the waste generated at the other end of the consumer cycle."
On Tuesday the roadshow will visit Cannock Council offices, Beecroft Road, from 10am-4pm.
A consultation has been set up at www.staffordshire.gov.uk
