HC Deb 03 August 1978 vol 955 cc749-50W
Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reply he has sent to the organisers of a petition, signed by 61,000 Darlington citizens, urging him to make a speedy decision on the application for the erection of a supermarket and bowling centre at North Road, Darlington.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The petition was delivered by Councillor Clark of Durham county council who was advised by a letter dated 24th July 1978 that every effort was being made to arrange for a public inquiry at an early date.

Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make a decision on the planning application for a supermarket and bowling centre in Darlington.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The Secretary of State's decision will be issued as soon as possible following the receipt of his inspector's report of the public inquiry.

Mr. Ted Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the reasons for calling in the planning application from Messrs. Morrison's Superstore, when the plans have been passed by both the Darlington council and the Durham county council.

Mr. Guy Barnett

In his direction issued on 12th July to Durham county council the Secretary of State indicated that he would consider all planning aspects of the proposed development. The points which appeared to the Secretary of State to be relevant to his consideration include:

  1. 1. Degree of need for the proposed development.
  2. 2. Suitability and availability of other land.
  3. 3. Any conflict with existing and proposed planning proposals in the area.
  4. 4. Effect of the proposal on the viability of existing shopping facilities.
  5. 5. Degree of conflict with approved development plan.
  6. 6. Degree of conflict with the draft Durham County Structure Plan and the draft Darlington urban Structure Plan.