Introduction
You can apply for planning permission for mineral related developments, such as mineral extraction and ancillary works, quarries, peat workings and processing plants in Somerset. We monitor the sites regularly and take enforcement action when appropriate.
Anyone can submit a planning application, but because of the complexity of the information required to be submitted with a mineral related planning application, we recommend that a planning agent is used to submit mineral applications.
Mineral developments
Mineral developments include:
- Extraction of minerals (quarrying)
- Extraction of peat
- Erection or installation of plant, machinery and buildings ancillary to mineral operations.
- Review of Mineral Permission (ROMP) applications
Mineral planning applications are not included in the National Planning Application set of forms (1APP), but you can submit an application relating to mineral developments by using the online application forms on the Somerset Planning Portal, or by downloading the Mineral Planning Application Form to submit it by post. Guidance on completing a Mineral Planning Application is also given in our Notes For Users.
Applications
We encourage you to read our Planning Control Pre-application Advice Protocol and the Monitoring of Mineral and Waste Planning Permissions Site Monitoring leaflet before submitting an application. The Protocol sets out the benefits of seeking pre-application advice, what you can expect from us during the process, and what we expect from you. Please contact us to discuss your proposals before submitting an application by phoning us or by completing the online form.
Applications must be accompanied by
- a completed certificate under Section 65 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 with their application
and if the owners of the land (or any part of the land) included in the application are not known
- a notice under Article 11 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2010 may also be required. This notice must be published in a local newspaper circulating in the locality in which the application is situated.
What happens next
When we receive a valid planning application we will write to you acknowledging receipt and will inform you of
- the application reference number
- the name of the officer dealing with your application
- the anticipated date when we expect to take the application to the Regulation Committee for determination
We will endeavour to determine mineral applications within 13 weeks of receipt of a valid application, unless a Planning Performance Agreement is in place which may set a different timescale for determination.
Planning fees are set by the Government. The fee payable depends on the nature and size of the development. Please refer to the Schedule of Planning Fees.
More information
Pre-application advice protocol
Design & Access Statements – When not required
Online Minerals Planning Application
Mineral planning application form
Notes for users – mineral applications
Review of old mining permissions (ROMP) application form
Information on biodiversity and geological conservation
Certificates under Section 65 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990
Contact the team
We deal with planning applications that relate to minerals, waste and our own County Council developments, such as schools, libraries, Social Services developments and new roads.
Your local planning authority (district council) should be able to advise you of other types of developments, including extensions, residential and business developments.
Contact: Minerals and Waste Planning Policy Team
Address: County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY
Email mineralsandwaste@somerset.gov.uk