Mineral planning authorities
Mineral resources are natural concentrations of minerals or, in the case of aggregates, bodies of rock that are, or may become, of economic interest due to their inherent properties.
Minerals extraction may only take place if the operator has obtained planning permission and other necessary permits and approvals, such as permits from the Environment Agency, and licenses from Natural England and the Coal Authority.
Ref https://www.gov.uk/guidance/minerals
Mineral planning authorities are unitary authorities that deal with mineral planning issues within their areas. In parts of England where there are two tiers of local government (counties and districts), mineral planning authorities are the county councils. National Parks are also mineral planning authorities.
Ref The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations, DETR 2013.
Minerals safeguarding is the process of ensuring that non-minerals development does not prevent the future extraction of mineral resources, of local and national importance. A mineral safeguarding area is an area designated by a minerals planning authority which is safeguarded from unnecessary sterilisation by non-mineral development.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.