HL Deb 27 June 1979 vol 400 cc1486-7

2.47 p.m.

Lord BULLOCK

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will intervene to prevent the proposed development of a chalet and caravan site in Prussia Cove, which is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty on the South Cornish coast.

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

My Lords, planning permission for 60 holiday chalets and associated services at Joyce's Farm, Higher Kenneggy, which is close to Prussia Cove—was granted in 1972 and some work has already been carried out. Any decision to intervene must, first of all, be taken by the local authority and in the circumstances my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment would not wish to intervene.

Lord BULLOCK

My Lords, in the light of the changed circumstances since the planning permission was originally granted 10 years ago—changes of opinion and of policy, and such efforts as that of Operation Neptune to save the nation's coastline—does the noble Lord not consider that there is at least a case for a review before irreversible changes are made by this scheme in an unspoilt and beautiful stretch of the Cornish coast?

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

My Lords, the planning permission was granted, I think, seven years ago and not 10 years ago. However, this stretch of coastline is undoubtedly an area of outstanding natural beauty and, as the noble Lord has said, it is so designated. However, I must point out that the Countryside Commission has not designated it part of the heritage coast. There is an area of 15 miles not so designated. To the East of it there is an area round The Lizard which is totally so designated and further West there is an area of 30 miles which is also so designated. I should also like to tell the House that this site has a bungalow, a caravan site and a camp on it, and therefore it already has a certain amount of usage.