COUNCILS are once again seeking the public’s views on their mining and waste strategy plan over the next 13 years.

The plan, which will be the joint strategy of North Yorkshire County Council, the North York Moors authority and City of York Council, has already been more than four years in the making, with work on it starting in May 2013.

The purpose of the plan is to “set out the three authorities' approach to taking decisions on planning applications such as quarrying, mining, and gas extraction, and also waste recycling, treatment and disposal.”

The plan has already gone through a consultation period.

But with a number of changes brought forward, the councils have decided to consult on those changes between now and 5pm on September 6.

The report says that the proposed changes “do not alter the overall policy approach” in the plan, and that the majority of the amendments are to “add clarity” to policies.

The plan was the subject of controversy at Ryedale District Council last week when the authority rejected a motion by two councillors to hire a fracking expert to examine it.

The full set of changes can be found at northyorks.gov.uk/changes-minerals-and-waste-plan

Responses can be submitted by email to mwjointplan@northyorks.gov.uk or by post to Minerals and Waste Joint Plan, North Yorkshire County Council, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AH.