Gravel views sought

WOKINGHAM residents’ views are being sought over the future of gravel extraction in the region.

The borough council has launched a consultation on its Joint Minerals andWaste Plan which will guide future locations for sand and gravel extraction as well as waste management, such as recycling plants and waste treatment facilities.

The council is working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council and The Royal Borough ofWindsor and Maidenhead on the joint plan.

And, in news that will come as a relief to residents who have successfully fought off plans for gravel extraction sites in the south of the borough, the council says that currently no gravel ormineral extraction orwaste management sites are being proposed forWokingham Borough.

The consultation will be submitted to the Secretary of State for an independent examination early next year and should provide greater certainty overwhere future sites for mineral extraction and waste management will be located across central and eastern Berkshire.

CllrWayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said: “This consultation is an important milestone for our borough. The joint plan helps to ensure we will have the minerals we need to build important infrastructure in the borough, such as new roads and schools. It also identifies howwe will deal with the waste we produce.”

The consultation runs until 5pm on Thursday, October 15. To take part, visit www.wokingham. gov.uk and search ‘minerals and waste’.