Draft Nottinghamshire Minerals Local Plan

The UK Quality Ash Association (UKQAA) is a trade body that represents users and suppliers of "secondary" non-hazardous alumino-silicate glassy particles arising from pulverised coal fired power stations. These glassy particles are often referred to as "Pozzolanic" materials and have been widely used in the construction industries for the past 50 years. In 2016, the UK used well over 2 million tonnes of these pozzolans in a variety of applications ranging from cement and concrete, aerated concrete blocks (key component in housing) and grouting applications for ground stabilisation. If this material ceased to be available, there would be much greater demand to open new sand reserves and the need to import more cement and blast furnace slag.

The non-hazardous alumino-silicate glassy particles comprise of the mineral by-product left over after coal is burned to generate electric power. Typically, coals comprise of 10% to 15% mineral content. The Pozzolanic material is stored in single use deposits located next to the coal fired power stations themselves. The deposits can be easily identified in a tightly defined areas which have been allocated to the power stations. In the case of Nottingham, the power stations we are referring to are Ratcliffe, Cottam and West Burton.

The UKQAA would like to ensure that the New Minerals Local Plan:

* Recognises the potential for these single use deposits of ash as a secondary mineral resource (Policy MP5 and potentially amended MP11);
* Applies safeguarding to the deposits (Plan 4 and Policy SP8).

This is very much in line with the Strategic Objectives of the draft Minerals Local Plan, and should be better reflected in policy. It is also consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework Clause 204 (b) which states "so far as practicable take account of the contribution that substitute or secondary and recycled materials and minerals waste would make to the supply of materials before extraction of primary materials whilst aiming to source materials indigenously"

The UKQAA has received wide encouragement and support in its vision from key stakeholders including the Environment Agency, The Ministry of Housing and Local Government and The Institute of Civil Engineers. Furthermore, these pozzolans fit well with the circular economy, sustainable construction, low embodied carbon cements and concretes and reduced reliance on imports.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me

Yours faithfully

The UK Quality Ash Association (UKQAA) is a trade body that represents users and suppliers of "secondary" non-hazardous alumino-silicate glassy particles arising from pulverised coal fired power stations. These glassy particles are often referred to as "Pozzolanic" materials and have been widely used in the construction industries for the past 50 years. In 2016, the UK used well over 2 million tonnes of these pozzolans in a variety of applications ranging from cement and concrete, aerated concrete blocks (key component in housing) and grouting applications for ground stabilisation. If this material ceased to be available, there would be much greater demand to open new sand reserves and the need to import more cement and blast furnace slag.

The non-hazardous alumino-silicate glassy particles comprise of the mineral by-product left over after coal is burned to generate electric power. Typically, coals comprise of 10% to 15% mineral content. The Pozzolanic material is stored in single use deposits located next to the coal fired power stations themselves. The deposits can be easily identified in a tightly defined areas which have been allocated to the power stations. In the case of Nottingham, the power stations we are referring to are Ratcliffe, Cottam and West Burton.

The UKQAA would like to ensure that the New Minerals Local Plan:

* Recognises the potential for these single use deposits of ash as a secondary mineral resource (Policy MP5 and potentially amended MP11);
* Applies safeguarding to the deposits (Plan 4 and Policy SP8).

This is very much in line with the Strategic Objectives of the draft Minerals Local Plan, and should be better reflected in policy. It is also consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework Clause 204 (b) which states "so far as practicable take account of the contribution that substitute or secondary and recycled materials and minerals waste would make to the supply of materials before extraction of primary materials whilst aiming to source materials indigenously"

The UKQAA has received wide encouragement and support in its vision from key stakeholders including the Environment Agency, The Ministry of Housing and Local Government and The Institute of Civil Engineers. Furthermore, these pozzolans fit well with the circular economy, sustainable construction, low embodied carbon cements and concretes and reduced reliance on imports.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me

Yours faithfully