Introduction
This page provides the evidence, studies and monitoring reports that support minerals planning in Somerset.
The evidence base helps inform the preparation, implementation and review of the Somerset Minerals Plan. Monitoring reports show how minerals policies are performing and help us assess whether the plan remains effective and up to date.
Evidence and topic papers
Aggregates
The Aggregates topic paper covers sources of aggregates in Somerset, local geology and the main issues involved in maintaining a steady and adequate supply. The source document describes it as evidence supporting the Somerset Minerals Plan.
Building Stone
The Building Stone topic paper (December 2012) explains how building stones were identified and assessed to inform minerals planning policy. It covers the need for particular stones, former quarry locations, safeguarding areas and criteria for potential future sites.
The Somerset Strategic Stone Study describes the geology and traditional building stones of Somerset and Exmoor and was published in August 2011.
For more up-to-date information, Historic England’s Building Stones Database for England lets you search for building stones, stone sources and structures across England. It also includes an updated guide to building stones in Somerset and Exmoor.
Historic England
Historic England published an updated guide to building stones in Somerset and Exmoor in May 2023. It covers local building stones, their geology and examples of their use in buildings and structures.
Energy minerals
The Energy minerals topic paper covers oil, gas and coal, with particular consideration of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, and coal bed methane. It was prepared to inform minerals planning policy in Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset.
Peat
The Peat reserves and supply topic paper examines peat reserves and supply and the effects of peat extraction on the environment, biodiversity and communities.
Mineral site reclamation
The Reclamation topic paper covers restoration and aftercare of mineral sites, relevant policy and options for mineral site reclamation in Somerset.
Mineral safeguarding
The Safeguarding topic paper explains how mineral resources and associated infrastructure, including railheads, wharves and processing facilities, are safeguarded from development that could prevent their future use.
The adopted safeguarding map identifies safeguarding areas for crushed rock, Silurian Andesite, sand and gravel, building stone and surface coal.
Monitoring
The Local Aggregate Assessment monitors the demand for and supply of aggregates in Somerset and the part of Exmoor National Park within Somerset. It covers sales, permitted reserves, landbanks, imports and exports, infrastructure and future supply. The assessment helps identify whether additional provision is needed to maintain a steady and adequate supply of aggregates.
Read the Somerset Council and Exmoor National Park Local Aggregate Assessment 2023 (Ninth Edition)