§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received relating to the implications for the archaeological heritage of the possible development of the Cresswell Crags site in Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TraceyA planning application from the Severn-Trent water authority for improvements to a water reclamation plant near Cresswell Crags was publicly advertised in May this year. The local planning authorities received notices of objection from at least 100 individuals and organisations, while my right hon. Friend received representations against these proposals from the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Sir J. Osborn), from Sheffield university and from the chairman of the Council of Europe sub-committee on arts and architecture.
On the advice of the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission my right hon. Friend scheduled Cresswell Crags as an ancient monument on 29 July, and on 12 August served a direction on the local planning authorities withdrawing their powers to approve this development while he considered whether the application should be called in.
Further discussions are now taking place between the Severn-Trent water authority, the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission, the local planning authorities and other interested parties, which my right hon. Friend hopes will bring about an acceptable solution.