HC Deb 03 June 1986 vol 98 cc497-8W
Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he called in for determination the appeal by the Retirement Homes Association over the planning application in respect of Hook Kennels, Northaw, Hertfordshire; when he expects to give his decision; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Tracey

With the exception of appeals by statutory undertakers involving development proposals on operational land, all planning appeals are transferred to

Name Whether councillor Date of original appointment Date present appointment expires Present profession
Anglian water authority
Mr. B. V. Henderson (Chairman) — 1 October 1981 30 September 1986 —
Miss A. C. Abbey — 1 October 1983 30 September 1986 Community Worker
Mr. J. V. Boodle — 1 January 1979 30 September 1988 Managing Director, Fermentation Products Ltd.
Dr. J. R. G. Bradfield — 21 November 1975 30 September 1988 Senior Bursar, Trinity College, Cambridge
Mr. P. H. Bray — 1 October 1983 6 July 1986 Chief Executive, AWA

inspectors for decision. The aim is to leave as many appeals as possible for inspectors to decide and to recover jurisdiction for a decision by the Secretary of State only in the more important cases.

There are a variety of reasons to warrant the recovery of jurisdiction; for example, where more than 100 houses are proposed, or residential development is proposed on land extending to more than 3.5 hectares, or if significant development is proposed in green belt.

The planning appeal by the Retirement Homes Association involves the provision of 220 units of residential accommodation on almost 23 hectares of land within the Metropolitan green belt at Hook Kennels, Northaw, Hertfordshire. There were good reasons, therefore, to recover jurisdiction for a decision to be made by the Secretary of State.

I am unable to say when a decision can be expected. Careful consideration will be given to the inspector's report of the inquiry when it is submitted. In the meantime, I cannot make a statement about the development proposed because this would prejudice my right hon. Friend's position in deciding the appeal.