Local residents and businesses are invited to have their say in the final round of public consultation about a new Minerals Local Plan for Derby and Derbyshire outside the Peak District National Park.

The newly published draft plan contains the policies that are being proposed to guide planning decisions on applications for new or extended quarries and other minerals extraction up to 2038.

Measures to avoid and minimise potential environmental impacts of mineral extraction or quarrying which can raise concerns for local communities are also set out in the plan.

Details about the consultation and how to take part are available on Derbyshire County Council's website. 

A series of drop-in sessions will also be held for members of the public to find out more at:

  • Belper Library – Tuesday 21 March 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
  • Wirksworth Library – Tuesday 28 March 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
  • Buxton Library – Monday 3 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
  • Scropton Village Hall – Tuesday 4 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
  • Dronfield Library – Monday 17 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
  • Borrowash Library – Wednesday 19 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
  • Chesterfield Library – Wednesday 26 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm
  • Bolsover Library – Friday 28 April 2023 – 2.30-6.30pm

This follows several earlier rounds of public consultations and engagement which have all contributed to the plan’s development.

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said:

“Mining and quarrying are an important part of our past, present and future.

“Derbyshire is rich in minerals, making the county one of the most important in the UK for resources – particularly limestone – and the same geology which gives rise to this wealth of resources also creates the striking landscapes which are important to Derbyshire people, the visitor industry and the local economy.

“While these important minerals can only be mined and quarried where they occur, unfortunately this almost always causes some impact on the environment and local communities. The challenge is to find the best balance between these competing interests.

“We’ve listened to the comments so far and as a result we’ve strengthened the draft plan in key areas including to reflect climate change objectives. Now we’re inviting local people to take a look at the latest version and comment in this final stage of consultation.“

Councillor Steve Hassall, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation, Strategic Planning and Transport added:

“Minerals mined in Derbyshire play an important role across the country with 60% of London being built on Derbyshire minerals.

“While there are no sites proposed for mineral working in Derby itself, feedback on the draft plan is welcomed from city residents.”

All comments received on the current draft will be sent with the draft plan to the independent planning inspector as part of the approvals process.