§ 5. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will call in for his decision proposals for any new development taking place on Hurst Spit.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettNo, Sir. Any application for planning permission for such proposals would be for the local planning authority to consider in the first place, but I understand that there are at present no outstanding applications in relation to this site.
§ Mr. AdleyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the prominent part of the Spit has been advertised for sale—namely, the part adjacent to the castle, including the coastguard cottages? Is he aware that 613 the advertisement includes the phrase "of interest to builders"? Does he appreciate that this is totally unacceptable to local opinion, which is scandalised that any development on this unique piece of land can even be considered? As the Department owns the castle, does the hon. Gentleman not consider it important that the total environment should be preserved? If he cannot call in the application, will he at least encourage the Nature Conservancy Council, the National Trust or the county council to do what it can to acquire the land when the sale takes place?
§ Mr. BarnettObviously I cannot accept responsibility for advertisements that appear for the sale of land. I repeat what I said in my original answer, that no planning application has yet appeared. I am satisfied that normal planning powers are sufficient, but in the first instance any application must be considered by the local authority, which is aware that this is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a site of special scientific interest.