One of the key aspects of a Minerals Local Plan (MLP) is to plan for a steady and adequate supply of aggregates. We carried out an independent study for Hertfordshire County Council to identify minerals sites to input into the review of their existing MLP.

Our site selection methodology was designed to meet the statutory local plan requirements, as well as national planning policy and guidance. We assessed the Council's previous site selection methodology, amending and updating it where required, and then applied the methodology to identify suitable sites for the extraction of sand, gravel and brick clay. In addition, we set out a methodology for the identification of Minerals Safeguarding Areas and Minerals Consultation Areas, and guidance on implementation.

We also undertook Sustainability Appraisal (SA) of the plan to identify the significant environmental, social and economic effects facing the plan area and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) to determine whether the plan will have significant adverse effects on European sites.

The conclusions and recommendations of our reports informed Hertfordshire County Council’s emerging MLP, forming a key piece of its evidence base.

Hertfordshire County Council subsequently commissioned us to provide the same support on their emerging Waste Local Plan.