The Development Management Committee of Devon County Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss the commencement of a new Minerals and Waste Plan, review annual monitoring reports for both the Minerals and Waste Plans, and consider a Local Member Engagement Protocol. Key decisions included approving the commencement of the new Minerals and Waste Plan-making process and delegating authority for its progression.

Devon Minerals and Waste Plan

The committee approved the proposal to commence the plan-making process for a new Devon Minerals and Waste Plan. This decision was made in accordance with new government regulations that require local authorities to prepare new plans within five years of the adoption of previous ones. The committee delegated authority to the Planning Manager, in consultation with the Chair of the Development Management Committee, to publish notices, approve consultation documents, and manage the plan's timetable. This process is legally required to be completed by October 2029.

During the discussion, Councillor Pollock raised concerns about the potential impact of local government reorganisation on the plan's adoption, suggesting an acceleration of the process. Officers acknowledged the complexity of aligning plan-making timescales with local government reorganisation but stated that reorganisation is not a reason to postpone plan-making. They are exploring options for a joint plan with other authorities to mitigate potential impacts. Councillor Pollock also questioned the financial implications, noting that the budget for future years was not yet secured. Officers confirmed that funding for the current year is sufficient and that future funding requirements are being scoped.

Devon Minerals Plan: Annual Monitoring Report (AMR)

The committee noted the content of the Devon Minerals Plan Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) for the 2024 calendar year. The report indicated that the current Minerals Plan policies remain fit for purpose, although it highlighted nine indicators where targets had not been met. The report attributed these shortfalls primarily to external market and economic factors outside the council's control. The AMR will provide context for the preparation of a new minerals plan.

Devon Waste Plan: Annual Monitoring Report (AMR)

The committee noted the content of the Devon Waste Plan Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) for the 2023/24 financial year. The report identified seven indicators where targets had not been met, with five of these falling outside the review trigger margins. These shortfalls were largely attributed to external factors such as collection arrangements, public behaviour, and the operational status of waste management facilities. The report concluded that the Waste Plan policies remain fit for purpose and that the AMR findings will inform the preparation of a new waste plan. As part of the resolution, the Chair of the Development Management Committee was requested to write to Exeter City Council to inquire about their plans for a household glass collection service.

Local Member Engagement Protocol

The committee noted the Local Member Engagement Protocol, which aims to ensure consistent and sufficient communication between planning officers and local members regarding strategic planning and development management activities. The protocol outlines arrangements for informing local members about local plans, large-scale planning applications, nationally significant infrastructure projects, national planning consultations, and development management activities such as pre-application enquiries, planning applications, and enforcement. Members were requested to submit any comments or suggestions to the Planning Manager to inform ongoing reviews of the protocol.

County Matter: Minerals – Mid Devon

The committee resolved that members would visit the site at Hillhead quarry complex, Uffculme, in advance of a report being made to the Development Management Committee for consideration. This site is proposed for an extension for the winning and working of sand and gravel, with restoration using imported inert fill, and includes a new internal haul road and the retention of existing mineral processing facilities.

Delegated Actions - Schedules of planning applications and consultation responses

The committee received and noted the report on action taken under delegated powers, including schedules of planning applications and corporate responses on strategic planning applications sent to relevant district councils.