OTTERBURN TRAINING AREA (Hansard, 23 June 1994)

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Viscount Cranborne)

New developments within the Otterburn Training area are required for training with AS 90 and MLRS equipments on their return from Germany under the Government's Options for Change programme.

Last year independent environmental consultants, RPS Clouston Ltd., were commissioned to consider proposals by my department for Otterburn. Using their material, and advice provided informally by the Northumberland National Park Authority, the proposals have undergone a detailed scrutiny within my department and have been significantly refined. I am now satisfied that these revised proposals are for the minimum development necessary to meet the Army's operational training requirements.

These development proposals are of course subject to planning approval and, as a first step in the public consultation process, my department will shortly be making arrangements for consultants to undertake a comprehensive environmental impact assessment.

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When this assessment has been completed, and after careful consideration of any views put forward by the statutory bodies and other relevant parties, it is our intention to lodge a Notice of Proposed Development with the Northumberland National Park Authority.

Because there are sensitive issues involved, my department will enter into an early dialogue with the Northumberland National Park and Countryside Commission authorities to examine the issues in detail and recommend how a balance might be achieved between the requirements of National Park policies and the Army's need for effective training.