Policy information sourced from the Hertfordshire Minerals Local Plan Review

13 Reclamation Scheme

The County Council will not allow land worked for minerals to become derelict or remain out of beneficial use. All applications for mineral workings must be accompanied by a detailed, comprehensive proposal for progressive reclamation wherever practical. The proposed restoration and afteruse must be integral with the design of the proposed workings as a whole, irrespective of the proposed afteruse.

The County Council will refuse applications for mineral working if:

  1. there are no proposals for restoration, afteruse and a programme for aftercare covering a five year period; or
  2. the proposed form of restoration or afteruse is inconsistent with the landscape character of the area or would involve detrimental environmental impact, including the impact on the highway network; or
  3. the proposals, although feasible, are considered unlikely to occur within a reasonable timescale; or
  4. the details of the proposal for restoration (and, where appropriate, aftercare) are considered to be inadequate; or
  5. satisfactory arrangements have not been concluded by the applicant to secure effective control over the site for restoration and aftercare purposes.
  6. the applicant is not able to demonstrate that the site will be satisfactorily reinstated.

For more information, please see the Hertfordshire Minerals Local Plan Review