A new plan to guide planning decisions about minerals and waste in York and North Yorkshire until 2030 has been approved by councillors.

City of York Council voted to adopt the Minerals and Waste Joint Plan, which sets out planning policies for minerals and waste developments as well as providing protection for residents, businesses and the environment when plans are considered.

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC), City of York Council and North York Moors National Park Authority prepared the plan, following a decision to work together in 2013.

Since then, much work has taken place, including extensive public consultation and a public examination of the plan by a government planning inspector. Modifications recommended by the inspector have been incorporated into the plan following further consultation.


As minerals and waste planning authorities, North Yorkshire County Council, the City of York Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority are producing a minerals and waste joint plan. NYCC received the Planning Inspector’s report in February, which says that the plan satisfies all requirements and is sound. As a result, this paved the way for City of York Council to adopt the plan.

Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for Planning, said: "This is the first plan in the country to establish an extended buffer zone to protect residential locations from fracking, recognising the negative environmental impacts of this activity to residents and which also through earth tremors endanger the heritage buildings of York.

"It is a milestone moment which ensures our newly adopted plan sets out the policies that will help guide any planning decisions for all minerals and waste developments over the next decade.

"The 3 authorities have formed a strong partnership and produced a robust plan, and I’d like to thank officers for all their hard work over the years to establish a strong evidence base for policies which were tested at public inquiry. This will help protect critical natural settings and environmentally important places across York and North Yorkshire.

"The plan includes robust protection for residents and the environment to guide future planning applications for developments such as new or extended quarries and new waste management facilities, including recycling and treatment centres."