§ 29. Mr. BurnsIf he will make a statement on the progress being made in moving the driving test centre in Beeches road, Chelmsford, to another site in the Chelmsford area. [30650]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Ms Glenda Jackson)A planning application for the Chelmer business park, which includes plans for a purpose-built driving test centre, is due to be considered by Chelmsford borough council planning committee on 6 April. Assuming that the application is successful, building work should start this summer and driver testing operations could move there from Beeches road by the end of the year.
§ Mr. BurnsMany of my constituents in the Waterhouse Farm area of Chelmsford will be extremely heartened and gladdened to hear what the Minister says, and I am grateful to her. Will she keep a watching brief to ensure that there is no slippage? As she will be aware, the problem has been rolling along for at least eight years and has been the subject of an adverse report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for 848 Administration. There was a problem earlier this year when the ownership of the land on which the centre is to be built changed hands. My constituents would appreciate it if the Minister could ensure that the deadline that she has given today is honoured.
§ Ms JacksonI can well understand the hon. Gentleman's constituents' concern. The issue has indeed dragged on since 1989. I am pleased to note that, since the Labour Government came to power on 1 May, there seems to have been a move in the right direction. We want the centre to be retained at Chelmsford, but the decision rests with the local authority, and we are hopeful that planning permission will be granted.