§ 13. Mr Haselhurstasked the Minister of Transport if he has now decided the site for a service area on the M11 motorway; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes, Sir, at Birchanger, at the junction with the A120.
§ Mr. HaselhurstIs my hon. Friend aware that that firm decision will be welcomed? Is he able to give some idea of the date of completion of the construction? On a somewhat lighter note, will he promise my constituents that it will be insulated against noise rather more successfully than the road itself?
§ Mr. ClarkeThe next stage is to have a meeting with the four local authorities that are involved. The meeting has been arranged for 31 January. The Department will seek outline planning permission. As my right hon. Friend has outlined, we have a policy towards motorway service areas. That will involve putting out the long lease to tender. The developer will deal with detailed planning permission and the eventual development of the site. Noise will be borne in mind when dealing with planning decisions on site. I am aware of the disquiet that my hon. Friend has passed on to me. I refer to the noise from the concrete surface of the new motorway that passes through his constituency.