QPA/RTPI Minerals Planning Conference

SINCE the 1970s mineral planners, aggregate operators and other stakeholders have benefited from the system of regular surveys and forecasts which, together with the Regional Aggregate Working Parties, are the key elements of the Managed Aggregates Supply System (MASS) that forms a fundamental part of current strategic mineral planning in England.

But is this system still necessary? Is it effective? And is it capable of meeting the challenges of maintaining aggregates supply to 2020 and beyond? The 2008 QPA/RTPI Minerals Planning Conference, entitled ‘Aggregates supply to 2020 and beyond – how are we going to manage?’, will focus on addressing these key questions and provide the first major opportunity to debate the findings of comprehensive government/CLG-commissioned research that is being undertaken to review the MASS.

The event will take place on Thursday 22 May 2008 at the Dunstall Park Conference Centre at Wolverhampton Racecourse and is expected to attract mineral planners in local, regional and central government; estates surveyors, planners and managers from the minerals industry; consultants and advisers; countryside-related agencies; environmental bodies; and NGOs.

Delegates will gain an insight into the latest mineral supply policy; a thorough grounding in the strategic planning process; a unique preview into minerals planning research since Verney; multiple perspectives on long-term aggregates supply issues; and detailed knowledge on the MASS for consultation responses.

For more information about the event contact Ken Hobden, QPA director of mineral planning, on tel: (07918) 608270. For booking information contact Sian Barker, events manager, on tel: (01329) 314854; or fax: (01329) 516598.