§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation he had with(a) Herefordshire Council and (b) other parties concerning planning application SS 980 800 P.F., Westfields Football Club, Hereford; and if he will make a statement. [R] [71183]
§ Mr. CabornThe Secretary of State was not consulted on the planning merits of this case. Only certain planning applications are referred to the Secretary of State, for example departures from the development plan for the area, for him to decide whether or not to exercise his powers of call in for his own decision. Applicants would, however, be referred to him only where the local planning authority was minded to approve the proposal. In this case I understand the application was refused. The Highways Agency was consulted and raised no objection but 447W directed that, if the application were approved, certain conditions aimed at protecting the interests of road safety on the A465 trunk road, should be included.
The applicant has a right to appeal against the decision of the Herefordshire Council, which would come before the Secretary of State, and the hon. Member will understand, therefore, that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this case.