Minerals and Waste Local Plan

A Minerals and Waste Local Plan (MWLP) has been prepared to guide mineral extraction and the management of waste in Herefordshire up to 2041 and beyond. This replaces the saved minerals and waste policies of the Unitary Development Plan.

The MWLP explains the vision, objectives and strategy for minerals and waste planning. It contains detailed policies and locations for future minerals extraction (such as sand and gravel pits or crushed rock quarries) and for the development of waste management facilities (such as recycling centres).

The MWLP was adopted in March 2024.

Legal challenge to the Herefordshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan, by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) - update 10 March 2025

In developing the MWLP, consideration was given to incorporating measures to help address the poor state of water quality in the county's rivers. The council needs to ensure that industry waste does not negatively impact the local environment. Included is a new agricultural waste policy which aims to strengthen controls on agricultural waste-related development. It is a legal challenge to this policy that was subject to a judicial review.

The High Court judgement, issued on 10 March 2025, completely supports the council's position.

Herefordshire Council welcomes the outcome of the judicial review of its Minerals and Waste Local Plan and the clarity this has brought to a significant and complex area.

The council continues to work in partnership with the farming community, supporting farming and the rural economy, as well as protecting and enhancing the natural environment.