[OFFICIAL]
2.18 Positively, employment in construction in the National Park has grown by 33% over the period 2015-2023 and the majority of this growth is likely to be from the Project 14 . There are 780 mining, quarrying and utilities jobs within the NYMNP (LSOA) and 4,590 in the WMCZ (ONS, 2023) – again many of these will be on the site at the nearby Boulby mine.
Policy response
2.19 Successive governments at a local, regional and national level have sought to tackle these economic challenges and improve lives for communities in the North – the importance of that is reiterated in all current relevant policy.
The North powered Britain’s past; it can lead the country’s future.
2.20 In January 2026, government published its Northern Growth Strategy policy paper – restating its commitment to support growth in the north of England most urgently through substantial transport investment but also through business investment, innovation and skills and human capital. The policy paper roots its ambitions firmly in the rich industrial heritage of the north – which powered Britain’s past; and, with the right long-term plan delivered in partnership, can lead the country’s future.
Great weight should be given to the benefits of mineral extraction, including to the economy
2.21 In 2024 the current Government won a landslide 174 seat victory on a manifesto consisting of five key missions. The number one mission being to kickstart economic growth: to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 – with good jobs and productivity growth in every part of the country making everyone, not just a few, better off . 2.22 To reflect this priority, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 15 was updated in February 2025 (with further changes shared in draft for consultation in December 2025). Key policies relating to the Woodsmith Project are: The three overarching objectives: economic, social and environmental. The need to build a strong and effective economy and that significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth and productivity (chapter 7). That great weight should be given to the benefits of mineral extraction, including to the economy (chapter 11). Potash and Polyhalite are identified as minerals which are necessary to meet society’s needs, and are therefore of local and national importance (Annex 2: Glossary). 2.23 The Modern Industrial Strategy 16 was launched in November 2025, outlining the Government’s plan for maximising opportunities and creating favourable conditions for growth in the UK and
14 Based on evidence gathered by Quod and presented in this report, it is highly likely that the majority of this growth is on the Project, but the ONS data does not present the granularity to confirm the net position on a site by site basis. 15 Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). (2025). National Planning Policy Framework. 16 Department for Business and Trade. (2025). The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy.
Quod | Woodsmith Project | Economic Impact Report | March 2026
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