Have your say on the (MWLP) Main Modifications recommended by the Inspectors. 26 June to 21 August 2023. This consultation is closed.

Background to the consultation

A Minerals and Waste Local Plan (MWLP) is being prepared to guide mineral extraction and the management of waste in Herefordshire up to 2041 and beyond. As part of the process of preparing the MWLP, it is subject to an Examination in Public. 

Public hearings took place in November 2022 and the Inspectors advised that various amendments, known as ‘Main Modifications’, to the submitted MWLP were necessary to make it legally compliant and sound. The next part of the examination process is to provide the opportunity for representations to be made on these proposed Main Modifications.

Consultation dates

The public consultation on the Inspector's proposed Main Modifications ran for eight weeks from 26 June to 21 August 2023.

What we were seeking your views on

This consultation relates only to the Main Modifications recommended by the Inspectors and not to the wider MWLP. It is not an opportunity to raise matters that were part of earlier representations or hearings on the submitted plan.

You were able to comment on the:

You could not comment on the minor changes.

Main Modifications

Comments should focus on whether the Main Modifications comply with legal requirements and can be considered ‘sound’. These are the key issues that the independent Inspectors will consider when assessing consultation responses.

If you wish to make a representation seeking a change to a Main Modification you should make clear in what way the Main Modification has not met the legal requirement or is not ‘sound’. Your representation should be supported by evidence, wherever possible. It will be helpful if you also state precisely how you think a Main Modification should be amended.

There will not normally be a subsequent opportunity to make further submissions on Main Modifications.

View the Schedule of Main Modifications and Minor Changes

Minor changes

In addition to the Main Modifications, the council has also produced a list of minor changes to the MWLP for clarity and completeness. These include corrections to typographical errors and updates to factual information and can be seen at the end of the list of Main Modifications in the Schedule of Main Modifications and Minor Changes. Please note: the minor changes do not affect the soundness of the MWLP and, as such, these do not form part of the public consultation.

Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment Reports

The Main Modifications have been subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA).

The SA report considers whether the MWLP, as proposed to be modified, will have any significant sustainability effects that were not previously identified. The HRA report determines whether the proposed Main Modifications, will have an adverse effect on the integrity of any European site. You can comment on these documents during the consultation.

A non-technical summary of the Sustainability Appraisal is also available:

How to comment

This consultation is now closed for comments.

If you responded, your response, together with your name, will be available to view by the Planning Inspectors. All other personal information, will remain confidential. The council may, however, be required to provide information to the Planning Inspectorate to ensure that you can be contacted by them, if requested.

What happens next?

At the close of the consultation, the representations made will be passed to the Planning Inspectors for their consideration. Following a review of the responses to the main modifications, the Inspectors will issue their final report. The MWLP is then expected to proceed to Full Council for adoption.

Published: 26th June 2023