A SPECIAL hearing will be held next week for residents to voice their objections to the Devon Minerals Plan.

The plan, which has been formulated by the county council, went under consultation last autumn and proposes sites to achieve the supply of minerals until 2033.

One site that has been proposed as a sand and gravel mine is in Uffculme.

A government inspector, Mr Andrew Freeman, will conduct the hearings to establish the soundness of the Minerals Plan.

Participation in the hearings is limited to people that responded to last year’s consultation and have already requested to take part, although any person can attend to observe the hearings.

Devon County Council hopes that the emerging Devon Minerals Plan will eventually replace the existing Minerals Local Plan of 2004, and it is anticipated that it will be adopted by the end of this year.

The plan aims to maintain the supply of the wide range of mineral resources produced in Devon, while minimising adverse effects on Devon’s communities and environment.

While some of these resources have adequate reserves to last beyond the next 18 years, it is necessary for the plan to propose some new areas for working to ensure supply.

The programme for the hearings and all supporting information is available on Devon County Council’s website.