Policy information sourced from the Essex Minerals Local Plan

S5 Creating a Network of Aggregate Recycling Facilities

The increased production and supply of recycled/ secondary aggregates in the County is supported to reduce reliance on land-won and marine-won primary aggregates. The County’s existing network of aggregate recycling facilities shall be maintained and expanded wherever appropriate. In addition:

  1. Existing Strategic Aggregate Recycling Sites (SARS) identified on the Policies Map and defined in the map in Appendix 3 will be safeguarded from development that might result in their closure earlier than their permission. There is a general presumption that existing SARS should remain in operation for the life of the permission.
  2. The Local Planning Authority shall consult the Minerals Planning Authority for its views and take them into account before determining development proposals that would compromise the continued operation and potential of an existing SARS.
  3. Proposals for new aggregate recycling facilities, whether non-strategic or in the form of SARS, should be located on the main road network in proximity to the Key Centres of Basildon, Chelmsford, Colchester, and Harlow. Such proposals shall be permitted in the following preferred locations, provided they do not cause unacceptable highway harm, are environmentally acceptable and in accordance with other policies in the Development Plan for Essex:
    • on major demolition and construction sites (on a temporary basis);
    • within permanent waste management sites;
    • in commercial areas used for general industrial or storage purposes, subject to compatibility with neighbouring land-uses;
    • on appropriate previously developed land;
    • on current mineral workings and landfill sites provided the development does not unduly prejudice the agreed restoration timescale for the site and the use ceases prior to the completion of the site; and
    • within major allocated or permitted development areas (as set out in the Development Plan for Essex).

For more information please see Essex Minerals Local Plan