§ 19. Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on behalf of residents in King's Newton, Derbyshire, requesting a meeting with him to discuss land use and development of land at 647 Trent Lane; and what action he is taking.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettTwo letters from the Melbourne Civic Society and several from the hon. Member. As has been explained in the replies sent, my right hon. Friend has no further jurisdiction on the matters that he decided on appeal in 1974.
§ Mr. RostWhy did the Department allow land designated for agricultural use to be sold by the Ministry of Defence without protecting local residents against change of land use? Is the Minister aware that over the past three years the land has gradually become a dumping ground and mobile home site? Is it not disgraceful that the Minister has repeatedly refused to meet a deputation of my constituents who wish to air their grievance?
§ Mr. BarnettI well understand the hon. Gentleman's anxieties and the anxieties of those residents who are directly affected, but I repeat that my right hon. Friend has no further jurisdiction. It was decided, on the basis of evidence at the inquiry in August 1974, that the land had been used for storage since before 1964 and that the use had continued since then, so that for the purposes of the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 the land had an established use for that purpose. That decision is final, and no useful purpose could be served by arranging a discussion on it.
§ Mr. RostOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.