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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.