People across York and North Yorkshire are being given the chance to have a say on planning policies covering major issues such as quarrying, mineral and gas extraction, and waste disposal.

North Yorkshire County Council, City of York Council, and the North York Moors National Park Authority, are working together to produce a Minerals and Waste Joint Plan. It will contain policies and guidelines to help take decisions on planning applications covering the period up to 2030. It will also identify suitable sites for such developments.

A preliminary public consultation on the plan took place in May and June last year. Now, the three authorities are refining the document in the light of observations received during the first consultation.

People will be given the opportunity to make their views known on the latest version of the plan at a series of drop-in sessions being held in 11 locations across York and North Yorkshire in February and March.

As well as inviting comments on the policy options outlined in the Plan, the authorities will also seek views on a range of possible sites submitted for consideration for mineral and waste development.

By working together, the three authorities will be able to take a wider look at issues relating to minerals and waste, and to operate planning policies more efficiently. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, however, will produce a separate plan covering minerals and waste activities within its boundaries.

The authorities are holding drop-in sessions in libraries across the Plan area, where the proposals can be examined. Planning officers will be on hand to offer assistance. The sessions will be held at

West Offices, York

Monday 3 March

1pm to 6pm

The consultation documents and further details about the consultation and how to respond can be viewed at www.northyorks.gov.uk/mwconsult. Comments are invited by Friday 11 April.

Following this consultation, the comments received will be taken into account in choosing which policy approaches to pursue in the Plan and a further round of consultation, which presents the preferred options, will be held in due course