§ Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what applications have been made in 2003 for(a) extensions to existing facilities and (b) construction of new facilities at (i) the National Security Agency Menwith Hill Station and (ii) RAF Fylingdales bases in Yorkshire; and which were granted. [138069]
§ Mr. IngramIn accordance with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Circular 18/ 84, development by the Crown does not require planning permission. Government Departments do however consult with local planning authorities and provide "Notice of Proposed Development" before proceeding with work that would otherwise require planning permission. Local planning authorities treat such notices in the same way as they would a statutory planning application.
Between 1 January and 31 October 2003, 15 Notices of Proposed Development were given to Harrogate borough council, the local planning authority for RAF Menwith Hill. Of these, six notices were for extensions to existing facilities and nine were for construction of new facilities. There were no objections by the planning authority to 11 proposals, and four proposals are awaiting a decision.
During the same time period, two Notices of Proposed Development were given to the North Yorks Moors National Park Authority, the local planning authority for RAF Fylingdales. Both are for construction of new facilities. There was no objection by the planning authority to one proposal, while the other proposal is awaiting a decision.