§ Mr. Hazellasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he will announce his decision on the resumed appeal held recently concerning installation of North Sea gas treatment plant at Bacton, Norfolk.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI have today announced my decision to grant planning permission for the reception and treatment of natural gas at Bacton. Having considered most carefully the various alternative sites put forward at the local inquiry, I have concluded that the Inspector rightly took the view that the balance lies in favour of the application sites. It will be essential for the development of these sites to be carried out with the utmost care if harm to the coastline is to be kept to a minimum and I have attached conditions to the permission to ensure this. I have also asked that in dealing with the detailed proposals for the design, layout and landscaping of the plant the local planning authority should consult the Royal Fine Art Commission. Copies of the Inspector's report and my decision letter have been placed in the Library.