9 November 2006

New planning statement recognises essential need for aggregates

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) published the new Minerals Policy Statement (MPS1) this week (6 November). The Quarry Products Association (QPA), which represents over 90% of the UK Industry, has welcomed the improvements and clarity that the statement has introduced over the 2004 draft version, and backs the strategy to plan, monitor and manage mineral planning in England.

Most importantly, MPS1 leads with an overarching declaration that "it is essential that there is an adequate and steady supply of material to provide the infrastructure, buildings and goods that society, industry and the economy needs". The QPA echoes this very concept in all of its policies and this is one of a number of improvements in terminology and policy that the association welcomes.

Another unsurprising headline in the document is the emphasis placed on sustainable development, with the declaration that the use of secondary and recycled materials is to be encouraged above virgin aggregates wherever practicable. This view has been held by the QPA and its members for some time and has clearly contributed to the UK leading the way on aggregate recycling within Europe. The QPA's own sustainable development strategy, already into its second phase of reporting, is showing the industry to be operating in the best way to meet the needs of government policy, such as MPS1, and of society more generally.

Simon van der Byl, the QPA's Director General, said: "we welcome the publication of the long-awaited MPS1 and the clarity and improvements that it has brought to minerals policy. Above all, we are pleased to see simple recognition of the contribution that minerals make to society. We hope now that mineral planning authorities will play their role in implementing national guidance at the local level.'

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For more information please contact Tim Parry by tel: 0207 9638000 or e-mail parry@qpa.org

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