Minerals and waste Local Plan: strategic sites and policies (MWLP:SSP)
The MWLP:SSP sets out strategic policies on which future waste management and mineral extraction will be assessed. It identifies:
- strategic sites for mineral extraction
- non-hazardous waste landfill
- other waste management activities
Waste recycling and recovery, including generating energy where appropriate, is an important part of the plan. The nearest strategic site to Luton will be at Thorn Turn, on the A5 near Houghton Regis.
The plan safeguards:
- existing rail served aggregates depots at Leagrave Road and Crescent Road
- asphalt-making plants
- concrete batching plants that provide essential materials for road construction and maintenance
No sites in the borough are identified for mineral extraction or for large scale waste management because:
- no sites have been previously proposed
- Luton is a heavily built up area
The MWLP:SSP was adopted by Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton councils in January 2014. However, since then, the authorities have agreed to prepare a new updated joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan covering the whole of the former Bedfordshire area including Luton.
More information and updates on progress can be seen on Central Bedfordshire's minerals and waste page.