Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 19)

18.1. Local plans are expected to make sufficient provision for all kinds of development, including for minerals (NPPF). The policies for minerals support the strategic objectives of the Plan.

18.2. This policy reflects the fact that there are no remaining workable primary minerals resources within Dudley Borough (as identified in the supporting Black Country and Dudley Borough Minerals Studies). The focus is upon the boroughs' secondary and recycled aggregates supply and continuing to work jointly with other Minerals Planning Authorities to consider any strategic matters arising from the likely demand for minerals over the Plan period. Continued joint working (for example as part of the West Midlands Aggregates Working Party) will serve to address any matters arising from the imports of minerals from other areas into the borough.

18.3. The NPPF recognises that mineral resources can only be worked where they are found. As detailed in the Black Country and Dudley Minerals Study's (2020 and 2023), there are no primary aggregates sites remaining in the borough. Therefore, the focus of the policy is on the supply of secondary and recycled aggregates which helps to preserve the regional primary aggregates supply.

18.4. Secondary and recycled aggregate sites expected to continue in production up to the end of the Plan period will be safeguarded (see Policy DLP81). Due regard should also be had to the relevant Dudley Local Plan waste policies (notably Policies DLP75 and DLP76).              

18.5. For minerals planning purposes, past trends and future provision is planned at the West Midlands Metropolitan Area (WMMA) level via the Local Aggregates Assessment. The WMMA comprises the seven unitary authorities of Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. The Council will continue to work with these Mineral Planning Authorities in terms of identifying, monitoring and managing the wider WMMA minerals requirements over the plan period. The Council will also continue to work with Mineral Planning Authorities in the wider region, via the West Midlands Aggregate Working Party.

18.6. There is one tile work business in the borough (Dreadnought) which is reliant on brick clay imports from Staffordshire. Via joint working as part of the WMMA and the West Midlands Aggregate Working Party, the Council will seek to monitor and manage the supply of imports necessary to serve such sites.