About Us
Navigating mineral safeguarding and supporting growthUnearth are specialist mineral planners who navigate complex safeguarding policies to unlock development sites.
We can add value at any stage — from early site promotion to resolving issues during planning determination.
Our expert advice helps avoid delays, reduce costs, and eliminate unnecessary on-site drilling.
Services
Mineral Safeguarding Assessments
A Mineral Safeguarding Assessment evaluates whether proposed development conflicts with safeguarded mineral resources or infrastructure.
If not done correctly, it can lead to costly delays, objections, or even refusal of planning permission.
The process is technical and often misunderstood — but getting it right is crucial.
At Unearth, we specialise in delivering robust assessments that keep your project on track.
Mineral Planning Advice
Mineral planning advice is essential for navigating the complex policies around mineral extraction and safeguarding.
Poor advice can stall projects, increase costs, or lead to missed opportunities.
At Unearth, we bring experience from both sides — delivering new mineral developments and resolving safeguarding constraints.
This unique perspective allows us to provide clear, strategic advice that supports your project’s success.
Our team has over 30 years of combined experience in the minerals planning sector, advising clients across the UK on all aspects of minerals development and safeguarding. What sets us apart is our background working in-house for both quarry operators and major housing and strategic land promoters, allowing us to approach minerals planning from a uniquely client-focused perspective rather than purely a technical or geotechnical one.
We regularly provide planning advice to quarry operators nationwide, helping to navigate complex policy and regulatory frameworks. Our team has presented expert evidence at public inquiries relating to high-profile minerals applications and appeals, with a strong track record of success. We have also delivered a wide range of minerals and safeguarding training sessions for RTPI and RICS members, helping to raise awareness and understanding of the planning implications of mineral policies.
Over the last four years, we have advised on over 30 Mineral Safeguarding Area (MSA) schemes, supporting the delivery of housing and mixed-use development while protecting valuable mineral resources.
FAQs
Am I in a mineral safeguarding area?
Mineral Safeguarding Areas (MSAs) vary between local planning authorities and are often defined in county-level Mineral Local Plans where they are located in two-tier areas. However, these designations aren't always clearly mapped or easy to interpret — and can be easily missed in early site due diligence. At Unearth, we can quickly establish whether your site falls within an MSA and advise on the best approach to avoid delays. Whether you're at the early stages or already facing safeguarding objections, we’re here to help.When is a mineral resource assessment needed?
Mineral planning policies vary between local authorities, but typically a Mineral Resource Assessment is required when a site lies within a designated Mineral Safeguarding Area (MSA). In some cases, assessments are also needed if the site is near an MSA or close to safeguarded infrastructure — such as mineral processing facilities, wharves, or rail depots. Even if you’re not directly on top of a resource, development can still be affected by safeguarding policies. At Unearth, we interpret local policy in context and provide clear advice on whether an assessment is needed — and how to do it right.What is a mineral resource assessment?
A Mineral Resource Assessment evaluates whether a development proposal would sterilise important mineral resources, as defined by local planning policy. Each assessment must be tailored to the specific safeguarding policies of the local authority, and no two sites are the same. At Unearth, we take a planning-led approach — every assessment is prepared by a specialist mineral planner and designed to meet the expectations of the mineral planning officer. Our thorough desktop assessments aim to provide the clarity needed without costly on-site drilling, which is often recommended unnecessarily by non-planning technical consultants.How long does a mineral resource assessment take?
The timescale for a Mineral Resource Assessment depends on the size and nature of the mineral deposit, as well as the type of development proposed. Typically, assessments take around 3 to 4 weeks to complete depending upon workloads. However, if the need is urgent — for example, to meet a planning deadline either determination or validation — we can often deliver a faster turnaround, depending on the complexity and client requirements. At Unearth, we work efficiently to meet your timescales without compromising on quality.Not found an answer to your question?
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Let us help you with your next projectPlease feel free to get in touch with any queries you may have and we would be happy to help.