VIEWS are being sought on proposed changes to the East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste and Minerals Local Plan.

The changes follow a review aimed at making sure planning policies for waste and minerals in the county remain up-to-date and in line with national policy. Waste and mineral plans must be reviewed by law every five years.

The Waste and Minerals Plan is used to guide planning applications for waste management and minerals activities in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, including part of the South Downs National Park.

Those wanting to take part in the public consultation can do so online at https://consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/wmdrp2020/

The updated plan includes a review of the supply of aggregates such as sand, clay, gravel and crushed stones. Maintaining a reliable supply of aggregate is important for the construction of buildings and for future local development.

There are no proposals for new mineral extraction or waste management sites and all three authorities encourage developers to use recycled aggregates wherever possible.  Supplies will be imported by ship, rail and road and will also include recycled aggregates.

This approach maintains capacity for transferring minerals at wharves such as Shoreham and Newhaven, and sites to process recycled aggregates.

Another policy change includes a new requirement to secure net gains in biodiversity through planning applications.

East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority have carefully considered whether to proceed with the consultation given the current emergency measures put in place by the government.

In the light of this it has been agreed to extend the period of consultation to 12 weeks, which will be extended further if required. Closing date for comments on the changes is August 3.

Anyone unable to access the consultation online or requiring printed copies of the consultation documents, can contact wasteandmineralsdf@eastsussex.gov.uk

Comments will be taken into account when the final version of the revised policies in the Waste and Minerals Local Plan is drawn up.