§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware of the proposal to build an ice skating rink on Borstal Marsh near Rochester in Kent, and whether they will ensure that the public inquiry into this proposal takes into account the loss of wildlife habitat and land used for informal recreation that the proposal involves, and the availability of a suitable alternative site.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Bellwin)Yes. This proposal has been called in and will be determined by the Secretary of State for the Environment. The public local inquiry has been arranged for 30th November and will consider all planning aspects of the proposed development including its effects on the wildlife habitat of the immediate area and the loss of public open space.
It is open to any party at the inquiry to raise for the Inspector's consideration the availability of a suitable alternative site.