Draft Site Selection Methodology
1. Introduction
1.1As set out in our Notice of Intention of Commence Plan preparation, published on the 31st of July 2026, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council are preparing a new joint Minerals Local Plan.
1.2The Councils are now taking the first steps in the Plans preparation as identified in our Local Plan timetable, which is to undertake a scoping consultation.
1.3 As set out in the regulations, the scoping consultation is inviting you to make representations on:
- Matters relevant to the preparation of the minerals plan as the Councils consider appropriate, including what the document should contain
- How the authority should engage with stakeholders in the preparation of the minerals plan
1.4 The Councils are therefore seeking views on both points in this scoping consultation and have published the following documents for consultation, each of which address a key topic:
Scoping document on Plan matters
Seeks views on key matters for the Plan and outlines what the Plan is likely to contain
Engagement strategy
Outlines the Councils proposed approach and seeks views on how we intend to engage and consult you at the consultation stages
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) screening report
This screening assessment considers whether the Plan is likely to have significant environmental effects and whether a SEA is required.
Draft Local Aggregates Assessment (containing 2025 sales)
A key background document which will inform the future demand and need for minerals in Nottinghamshire
Draft site selection methodology (this document)
Outlines and seeks views on the proposed site selection methodology which will be used to assess sites for allocations.
1.5. We are keen to seek your views on the above documents and encourage you to respond to the questions asked within the scoping document, consultation strategy and draft site selection methodology.
1.6. To assist the Councils in analysing responses in a timely manner, the questions are within each document.
1.7. Please note that the scoping consultation will run from the 12th of October 2026 until the 9th of November 2026.
Draft Site Selection Methodology document
1.8A key element of any Local Plan is to allocate sites for development where needed to ensure supply of appropriate sites and which helps to deliver a distribution of future development which matches the spatial strategy of the Plan.
1.9In terms of the Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan, the main choices in terms of allocations relates to the number and distribution of sites for aggregate minerals (principally sand and gravel).
1.10To help us determine which sites put forward through the call for sites, which we anticipate taking place in early 2027, should be allocated we have drafted a site selection methodology. Your response will help inform the final site selection methodology.
How to respond
1.11We want to hear from you and gain your views. The best way to submit your responses to the questions is by responding via our online consultation portal. You will need to create an account but by using the portal, you will be able to directly respond to the questions. It will also reduce time taken to process responses and aid the Councils in analysing responses in a timely manner and move onto the next stages.
1.12Alternatively, you can submit responses via
Email to: MineralsLocalPlan@nottscc.gov.uk
Post to: FAO Planning Policy Team, Nottinghamshire County Council, County Hall, Loughborough Road, West Bridgford, NG2 7QP
1.13If you choose to submit responses via email or post, you must include within your response:
- Your name, and if representing an organisation, the name of the organisation and your position
- Contact point (email or postal address)
- The document you are responding to
- The question number you are responding to
RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED BY 17:00 ON MONDAY THE 9TH OF NOVMEBER 2026.
RESPONSES RECEIVED AFTER THIS TIME MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED NOR TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
1.14Please note that your comments and name will be publicly published on our website. Any personal information that you provide will be used by the Councils for the purpose of the Minerals Local Plan only. Please see our privacy notice on the County Councils website under Transport, environment and economy.
1.15 By submitting a representation or choosing the new Minerals Local Plan as a topic of interest on our consultation portal, you will be automatically added to our contact database. You will therefore be notified of when the Plans progress hits key milestones at the registered email or postal address provided to us.
1.16If you wish to be removed from this database and no longer receive these notifications, this can be requested at any time by contacting us via emailing MineralsLocalPlan@nottscc.gov.uk.
Any questions?
1.17If you have any questions regarding any of the documents, the consultation or the new Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan in general, please contact us via:
Phone: 0300 500 8080
