§ Lord Wynfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will reopen the granting of planning permission for building a new residential training centre for woodworking in Hooke Park Forest. West Dorset, in an area of outstanding natural beauty; whether they will set up a public inquiry into the matter at which local opposition can be heard; and whether they will make arrangements for all construction work to cease until a decision has been reached as a result of the public inquiry.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleI understand that the local planning authority, the West Dorset County Council, granted permission for this development only after the most careful consideration of the representations made to them both for and against the proposal. The council also have regard to Government policies on safeguarding the landscape, for promoting new industrial initiatives and encouraging private enterprise. In these circumstances, the Secretary of State for the Environment does not consider that his intervention would be justified.