The Principal Planning Officer introduced the report and stated that East Sussex, Brighton and Hove and South Downs National Park Authorities were undertaking a join review of the adopted Waste and Mineral Local Plan.

A brief explanation of the Statement of Common Ground attached as exempt Appendix 1 to the report was provided, which included recognition of the historic provision of soft sand from Kent County. As such, Kent County Council (KCC) and the Council had been consulted as co-signatories to the document.

In response to questions, the Principal Planning Officer stated that KCC was the minerals planning authority and would, for example, determine any planning applications relating to minerals extraction sites.

RESOLVED: That the Statement of Common Ground, as attached at Exempt Appendix 1 to the report, between Maidstone Borough Council, Kent County Council, East Sussex County Council, Brighton and Hove City Council, West Sussex County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority, be agreed.