A full-day stakeholder workshop to assist with the preparation of the draft minerals plan was held on 21 September 2005 at the Runnymede Centre in Chertsey. The event provided an opportunity to discuss the key parts of the draft minerals plan with a diverse range of stakeholders. The issues discussed included draft objectives, policies, and site selection methodology and future consultation strategies.

The purpose of the workshop was to update stakeholders on specific aspects of the Minerals Plan and seek views on the plan preparation work carried out so far. By carrying out early consultation with stakeholders holding a wide range of different viewpoints it was possible to highlight potential issues that may otherwise only have been identified through the formal consultation on the draft plan next Easter.

The event was independently facilitated by the Environment Council, and attended by stakeholders with a wide range of skills and experience: representatives of local residents' groups, mineral operators, district councils and interest groups such as the Surrey Wildlife Trust were all represented. Several officers from the Minerals Plan team were also present, to help in discussions, and to record comments.

The workshop provided an opportunity for stakeholders to express their opinions on fundamental aspects of the Minerals Plan such as the vision; emerging objectives; strategic and detailed policies; site selection methodology; and future consultation opportunities. We also responded to requests from the earlier local workshops by arranging for speakers from the Environment Agency and Transport Authority to attend, and answer questions regarding their areas of expertise.

The discussions were very productive, and many of the points raised will be pursued in improving the draft minerals plan, prior to the formal consultation at Easter 2006.

A summary of the outputs from the meeting, copies of the presentations and a list of stakeholders attending are available on the links below.