MPA cautions against planning cutbacks

The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has warned mineral planning authorities against cutting investment in planning policy functions. In the current economic climate, the MPA has asserted that incentives and plans for new operations are vital. Only 15 out of 93 mineral development plan documents have been adopted and less than 40% of mineral planning authorities had established a core strategy by January. Despite tough budget decisions, the MPA has urged fellow authorities not to reduce resources in planning policy functions.

Nigel Jackson, Chief Executive of the MPA stated, “With the full effects of the Localism Act still to be evaluated and the arrival of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) awaited with some concern, we know that this is an uncertain time for planners, but it is an uncertain time for the industry as well.”

“Clear development plans are an essential building block in providing the certainty our members need to invest in these difficult economic times”, continued Jackson, “with land banks in decline in many areas there is a growing risk that supply strains will emerge, particularly once real growth gathers pace. Even some of the most strategically important authorities have hardly got off the mark.”

With over 430 members, the MPA is the UK trade association for the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, lime, mortar and silica sand industries.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/07022012/mpa_cautions_against_planning_cutbacks/