National Assembly for Wales

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes a proposal for a Bill to require the Welsh Ministers to review and strengthen as necessary the planning framework relating to quarrying developments in Wales. 
2. Notes that the purpose of this Bill would be to:
a) require a review of the Minerals Technical Advice Note 1: Aggregates (MTAN 1) published in 2004, and its effectiveness in protecting communities in close proximity to quarries;
b) require the review to assess the adequacy of existing safeguards, including in relation to the environmental, biodiversity and public health impacts associated with quarrying and related activities in close proximity to settlements, having regard to the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015;
c) require specific consideration of increasing the buffer zone between settlements and all new and existing quarries; and
d) require the Welsh Ministers to publish the conclusions of the review and proposals for strengthening planning protections.