HC Deb 03 July 1978 vol 953 c77W
Mr. Jessel

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why, in his letter of 23rd June to British Railways giving consent to their application for a container depot at Feltham marshalling yard, he accepted his inspector's assumption that such development would not generate much heavy traffic along Powdermill Lane, Twickenham; what assessment he has made of the probable use of Powder-mill Lane by heavy lorries travelling to and from central and south London and South-East England and the Channel ports via the A316 Great Chertsey Road, Kingston and Hampton Court Bridges; why the consideration of traffic generation in Powdermill Lane was confined to traffic destined for the M3 which he states is more likely to choose different routes; and if he will make a statement on what action he intends to take to protect residents of Powdermill Lane and other nearby roads from the growth in heavy traffic resulting from his decision.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The decision was reached in this case only after the most careful consideration of all the factors involved, and I cannot now discuss the reasons for that decision, which are set out in the decision letter. Action to protect the residents of Powdermill Lane and other local roads from the effects of traffic approaching the depot is a matter for the highway authorities, and I understand that Richmond on Thames council has this under consideration.