SPPS Strategic Planning Policy Statement Edition 2 (December 2025)·Page 75·6.159
Protection of designated areas from minerals development
Planning permission for minerals extraction will not normally be granted in areas designated for landscape, scientific or natural heritage significance where it would prejudice the essential character of the area. Peat extraction for sale is only acceptable where it protects boglands valuable to nature conservation and maintains landscape quality, particularly in AONBs.
designated (or is proposed for designation) to protect its landscape, scientific or natural heritage significance will not normally be granted permission where this would prejudice the essential character of the area and the rationale for its designation. Permission for the extraction of peat for sale will only be granted where the proposals are consistent with the protection of boglands valuable to nature conservation interests, and with the protection of landscape quality particularly in AONBs.
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