It is a complex issue, one that covers a variety of subjects. This is why I have attempted to break it down into bitesize chunks. I think that by understanding each of the issues a sensible consensus can be achieved. One based on knowledge rather than gut feel.

It should be remembered however, that there is a significant stretch of Yorkshire containing gravel, yet two of the largest extraction sites are ontop of two of Yorkshires most important archaeological sites.

Another key aspect, before one agrees to "upping the targets" is how well NYCC is doing in ensuring recycled aggregates are being used. The current mineral plan gives lip service to recycling but sets no targets other than what was already being achieved. In effect, it plans not to plan.

This debate should make us all more aware of what we are losing due to extraction - it is relevant to every county. If this issue, and that of the landfill site enable us all to focus more on our own wastefull practices, and to lobby local government to more quickly adopt aggresive recycling strategies then that can be no bad thing.

I am a naturally very wasteful person. Yet since I realised where my refuse was going, and with a lot of help from my wife, we have reduced our rubbish output to one carrier bag full per month.

I'm in front of the TV cameras today!