Welcome to the Joint Lancashire Minerals and Waste Development Framework Forum

Planning for minerals and waste is a key issue of concern to us all.  In the context of a changing planning framework how do we ensure a continued supply of minerals?  Should we?  How do we cater for the volumes of waste arising?  Should we continue to landfill?  Should we encourage recycling or other means of treatment?

There are many questions to be asked, debated and answered.

In response to the challenge of planning ahead under a planning system, Lancashire County Council, Blackburn-with-Darwen Borough Council and Blackpool Borough Council have embarked upon the preparation of a joint combined Minerals and Waste Development Framework.

The first stage in this process is the identification of issues and options. 

To assist the Joint Authorities my Team and I have been appointed to act as independent facilitators, engaging with interested parties over the coming months.  To assist the process we have established a Forum and this will meet 5 times between now and the end of September.  The outcomes will be used to inform the next stages of the planning process.

This is very much your Forum – it is your discussions, debates, questions and input which will help to shape the evolution of the Minerals and Waste Development Framework, the new style planning policy document.    

If you are attending the Forum Meetings please make use of this online resource to supplement the process.  Links are available to all of the Topic Papers and background reading which will provide context to the process.   
 
I hope to see you all at the next Forum meeting!

Maureen Stenning
Lead Facilitator
Director, Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd.