HC Deb 01 February 1978 vol 943 cc198-9W
Mr. Alison

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what stage the Government's proposals to develop an alternative to the proposed Kirkhamgate-Dishforth motorway have reached; what specific line has been decided upon; what further consultations are envisaged; what opportunities for objections remain to those likely to be affected; and when work on the project is likely to start.

Mr. Horam

A preferred corridor for the Kirkhamgate-Dishforth route, to the east of Leeds, was announced in July last year. West Yorkshire Metropolitan County Council and Leeds City Council have now suggested to the Department a relatively minor variation of this corridor south-east of Leeds, generally corresponding to the red route alternative which was put to the public at the time of the public consultation, and this is being considered. No specific line has been decided upon. Consultation with local authorities is continuing and it is hoped to be able to publish draft orders for the new route in about two years' time. These will be open to objection in the usual way. It is unlikely that construction could begin before the early 1980s.

Mr. Alison

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends to take to mitigate the threat of urban or rural blight in the context of his general proposals for an alternative in the Kirkhamgate-Dishforth motorway.

Mr. Horam

Owners whose properties may be affected by the corridors being investigated for the Kirkhamgate-Dishforth scheme can ask the Department to consider the purchase of their property under the discretionary powers conferred by Section 48 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1959. For purchase under these powers, the owner is required to show that he would suffer serious financial hardship if his property were not acquired.

Mr. Alison

asked the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the effect on the Government's proposals for an alternative to the Kirkhamgate-Dishforth motorway of the report by the Leitch Committee on motorway construction.

Mr. Horam

The recommendations in the Leitch Report will be applied to the development of proposals for a new road in the preferred corridor east of Leeds. It is as yet too early to say what the detailed effects—for example, on the standard of the road—will be.