§ Mr. Chris DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what powers planning authorities have to restrict quarrying operations in order to protect the water table. [14619]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordWhen considering new applications for planning permissions for quarrying, mineral planning authorities can consider all aspects of the proposed development including its impact on the water table, and can impose appropriate conditions or refuse permission as necessary. Authorities are in a position to seek expert advice from the National Rivers Authority.
For existing permissions, mineral planning authorities have a range of order-making powers under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to revoke or modify planning permissions, discontinue a use of land, or to impose conditions on the continuance of that use, or to prohibit the resumption of mineral working in certain circumstances. In addition, the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 and the Environment Act 1995 625W introduced new requirements for the review and updating of old mineral permissions. Advice on applying the powers available has been published in minerals planning guidance notes 4,8,9 and 14.