With the new Labour government’s ambitious housing targets, the UK faces a significant challenge in meeting the need for construction aggregates. The gap between the extraction of construction aggregates and the replenishment of these resources through new mineral planning permissions has been widening for years. We caught up with Partner and mineral expert, Tom Giddings, to learn more about how this discrepancy poses a critical threat to the sustainability of the UK’s construction industry and its ability to meet future housing demands.
The government’s commitment to boosting housebuilding is commendable, but it must be supported by a sustainable supply of construction materials. Without addressing the gap between mineral use and replenishment, the country’s ability to meet its housing targets could be severely compromised.
According to the Mineral Products Association (MPA), the UK has been consuming construction aggregates at a rate that far exceeds the approval of new planning consents for quarrying. For every 100 tonnes of sand and gravel used, only 61 tonnes of new permissions have been granted. The situation is even more dire for crushed rock, with only 33 tonnes of new material consented for every 100 tonnes consumed. This trend has led to a steady decline in the UK’s total permitted mineral reserves, which has been ongoing for over a decade.
The MPA’s latest Annual Mineral Planning Survey highlights the urgency of this issue, warning that the future supply of essential construction materials is "approaching a cliff edge". The survey reveals that the rate of consumption, driven primarily by construction output, has not been matched by the rate of approval for new quarrying permissions. This imbalance is attributed to a “broken” mineral planning system that is often delayed and can prioritise local interests over national needs.
The Labour government’s recent announcement to increase housing targets aims to address the acute housing crisis by delivering 1.5 million new homes. This ambitious plan includes mandatory targets for councils and a review of the greenbelt to identify “grey belt” land that can be developed to meet local housing demands. However, this initiative places additional pressure on the already strained supply of construction aggregates.
Despite the challenges, there is a significant opportunity for securing future mineral resources. By integrating more of our clients’ land into county mineral plans, we can help ensure a steady supply of construction aggregates. This proactive approach will not only support the government’s housing ambitions but also contribute to the long-term sustainability and security of the construction industry.
We are well-placed to assist in this endeavour. Our expertise in navigating the complexities of mineral planning and our commitment to securing future resources make us a valuable partner for clients looking to contribute to the UK’s construction needs. By working together, we can help bridge the gap between permitted mineral reserves and the nation’s housing goals, ensuring a stable and sustainable future for all.
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