§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he asked for an Environmental Impact Assessment to be provided for the application for a wind energy development at Cheverton Down, Isle of Wight, which was referred to him for call in; and if he will make a statement. [90989]
§ Mr. McNultyEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was not required for the wind energy development at Cheverton Down. Responsibility for determining the planning application, and therefore for deciding whether EIA would be required, rested with the local planning authority, the Isle of Wight council. The council originally granted planning permission in 1995, and in 2002, determined an application to vary one of the conditions attached to the permission. A request by local residents that my right. hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister should call in that application for his own determination was declined.