Policy information sourced from the Buckinghamshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan
25: Delivering High Quality Restoration and Aftercare
Minerals and waste development of a temporary nature must include a restoration scheme that will result in the site being progressively restored to an acceptable condition and stable landform as soon as is practicable and provide for high quality aftercare arrangements including ongoing management and monitoring where necessary.
The after-use of a site will be determined in relation to the land-use context and surrounding environmental character (including wider ecological networks) and should take account of landowner interests and the requirements of the local community. Schemes should include objectives that will contribute towards: biodiversity gains, enhancement of the local environment and amenity, climate change mitigation and adaptation, benefits for the local community and economy (as appropriate).
Where relevant the restoration of the site must meet the following requirements:
- Sites that are to be restored to the previous land-use must include a secondary after-use that includes environmental enhancement. Where a site is located within best and most versatile agricultural land, the land should be restored to a condition where the long-term potential of the land is safeguarded and soil resources are conserved, however this does not preclude the requirement for incorporating a secondary after-use.
- Where specific and favorable conditions occur and when adjacent to identified habitat or designated asset(s), precedence must be given to environmental enhancement objectives, the creation of Biodiversity Action Plan habitat, ecological networks, promotion of geodiversity and enhancement of the historic environment.
- Sites located within river corridors should address flood risk management and support River Basin Management Plan actions.
- Sites located within or adjacent to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Colne Valley Regional Park or the Green Belt should seek to enhance the characteristics and qualities for which the area was designated giving consideration to the provision of green infrastructure and opportunities for access and recreation.
- Sites located within the Great Ouse Valley should support the Buckingham Canal restoration.
The restoration of sites for economic development purposes will be supported where fully in accordance with relevant planning policy and a secondary after-use is included that incorporates an ecologically beneficial after-use within the restored function.
For more information please see the Buckinghamshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan