NORTH Yorkshire’s planning authorities are consulting on a plan that will form the basis for important minerals and waste development decisions over the next 15 years.

The Minerals and Waste Joint Plan has been drawn up by North Yorkshire County Council, the City of York Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority.

It identifies sites where future development for minerals and waste purposes is likely to be acceptable in principle.

The draft plan sets out policies for minerals and waste development such as quarries and recycling facilities to help the planning authorities take decisions on future applications.

North Yorkshire is rich in mineral resources such as sand, gravel, limestone and natural gas and also is well-known for its landscapes which includes two national parks, four areas of outstanding natural beauty and a heritage coast, as well as historic built environments.

The new policies are intended to put in place a high level of protection for the environment and for local communities while acknowledging government policy support for minerals extraction and waste management sites needed for economic growth and development.

Preparation of the new Minerals and Waste Plan is not directly related to the current proposals by Third Energy for shale gas at Kirkby Misperton but will help deal with any future applications of this type.

The consultation can be found online at www.northyorks.gov.uk/mwconsult.

Drop-in sessions will be held around the county over the next few weeks.