We have previously referred to this issue in Does Devon's new Minerals Plan stand for anything? asking where Mineral Safeguarding was when Sibelco needed it, and how DCC had said:
The Minerals Plan features the introduction of "Mineral Safeguarding Areas" which aim to secure valuable mineral resources from sterilisation by new development, to ensure that they remain available for use by future generations.
CLAY company Sibelco has raised serious concerns over a £25 million development to create a mini new town on the western edge of Newton Abbot.
Known as Houghton Barton, the area is earmarked for a sustainable development of 1,800 new homes, a school, employment land, community centre and green space as well as a new road linking the A382 with the A383.
Part of the site is considered to be an important location for ball clay and Sibelco urges the planning authority to ‘seek the most appropriate use of land that has been identified for strategic growth.’
Sibelco say using the land for employment will mean it is unable to access the ball clay beneath.
Devon County Council has already had to delay plans to widen and realign the A383 as it lies within the mineral safeguarding area. The scheme may now have to go to a judicial review unless the parties can reach agreement by the end of this month.
