The pivotal role of Planning in Gloucestershire's largest mineral development

Laura Dickson is an Apprentice Planner at Gloucestershire County Council

As an Apprentice Planner for Gloucestershire County Council I recently interviewed Jason Betty, a Senior Planning Officer, on his role in a landmark decision last autumn in which Gloucestershire County Council approved the county's largest-ever mineral development project at the former RAF Down Ampney airfield. Jason explained how effective planning and a robust planning system can balance economic development with environmental stewardship and community needs.

A vision years in the making

The journey to obtain this approval highlights the critical role that planners and the planning system play in shaping regional development. The 236-hectare site, situated along the Gloucestershire-Wiltshire border, wasn't chosen hastily or without consideration. Rather, it represents the culmination of decades of strategic planning:

• Initially the area was assessed through Gloucestershire's first minerals plan in the late 1990s and consisted of a much greater area.
• Formally designated as a sand & gravel 'Preferred Area' in the current Minerals Local Plan for Gloucestershire (2018-2032) (MLP)
• Carefully evaluated to ensure alignment with both economic and environmental objectives for the county, including contributing to the county’s sand & gravel land bank.

The approved MLP (2018-2032) was the result of the county's planning team’s practical and interactive approach of evaluating this site with relevant stakeholders and facilitated a platform and the confidence necessary for future substantial private investment. This demonstrates how planning can be effective in creating confidence in a development plan upon which major developments can proceed.

Collaborative Planning in action

The approval process for Airfield Quarry showcases planning at its best—as a collaborative endeavour that brings diverse stakeholders to the table. Jason Betty, a Senior Planning Officer and also the case officer for the planning application worked diligently with:

• Environmental regulators and statutory consultees to establish appropriate safeguards
• Specifically relating to: the threat of bird strike (RAF Fairford); drainage (the EA); HGV movements; and local amenity.

• A number of parish councils and objectors to incorporate their perspective and address community concerns relating to HGV movements, ecology and local amenity.
• Neighbouring Wiltshire Council to ensure regional coordination

The case officer recognised the value of an inclusive approach at achieving the best outcomes. Through regular liaison with all interested parties, skilled negotiation and planning conditions, the case officer was able to transform objections and matters of concern into opportunities for ecological enhancement and strict governance resulting in a robust and sustainable project.

The proposal was put to Gloucestershire County Council Planning Committee in September 2023 with a recommendation for approval. A detailed presentation was prepared by the case officer and answers for questions anticipated to be raised by members. Following this diligent preparation, the Planning Committee voted in favour of the recommendation for approval subject to their recommended conditions and a signed S106.

Balancing economic and environmental imperatives

The scale of economic benefit from this development is substantial—over 50 direct jobs and the extraction of more than 6 million tonnes of minerals that will supply much of the county's future construction needs for housing, commercial buildings, roads, schools, and public infrastructure.

However, the planning system's true value lies in ensuring these economic benefits don't come at an unacceptable environmental cost. Through careful planning conditions and obligations, the development will:

• Protect existing natural habitats during extraction
• Transform commercial arable land into diverse ecosystems including lowland meadows, wet native woodlands, and reed marshes
• Preserve the historical significance of the former airfield
• Implement a long-term management plan to protect RAF Fairford from bird-strike risks
• Ultimately contribute to the environmental assets of the 'Cotswold Lakes' area

Planning for the long term

The planning system's role doesn't end with approval. As preparatory work begins at Airfield Quarry, Gloucestershire County Council faces its next significant planning challenge: monitoring the operation over its 13-year extraction phase and subsequent restoration period.

This ongoing oversight represents another crucial function of planners - ensuring that developments deliver on their promises and commitments over the long term. Regular site visits, compliance checks, and enforcement actions when necessary will be essential components of the planning system's continued involvement.

Conclusion: Planning as a catalyst for positive change

The Down Ampney project demonstrates how the planning system, when properly resourced and effectively implemented, can act as a powerful catalyst for positive regional change. By establishing clear parameters, facilitating meaningful dialogue, and taking a long-term perspective, planners have enabled a development that will:

• Strengthen the local economy
• Supply essential materials for regional growth
• Enhance biodiversity and ecological resilience
• Preserve historical heritage
• Create lasting environmental assets

As we look to the future challenges of sustainable development, climate adaptation, and economic prosperity, the Airfield Quarry project stands as compelling evidence of planning's essential role in creating places that work for everyone.