HC Deb 15 May 1986 vol 97 cc502-3W
Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is his estimate of the length of time likely to elapse between his Department first receiving formal notice of the application for a proposed pipeline assembly yard at Tain, Ross-shire, by Land and Marine Engineering Ltd and his having finally evaluated the application;

(2) if he will estimate the length of time he now expects will be necessary for the further evaluation of the planning application by Land and Marine Engineering Limited for a development of a pipeline assembly yard at Tain, Ross shire.

Mr. Ancram

My right hon. and learned Friend received notification of the planning application on 7 April and called it in on 7 May. The time taken to reach a final decision will depend on a number of factors, not all of which are within the Government's control, but I hope that a decision will be issued before the end of the year.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will detail in the Official Report the total area within the relevant site of special scientific interest which the proposed pipeline assembly yard at Tain, Ross-shire would affect; and if he will express that area as a percentage figure of the total extent of the land mass constituting the relevant site of special scientific interest.

Mr. Ancram

Approximately 7 ha, 0.24 per cent. of the total area of the Morrich More site of special scientific interest (SSSI), would be directly affected by construction works associated with the proposal. It has been put to my right hon. and learned Friend, however, that a substantially greater part of the SSSI would be affected indirectly.

Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report each of the respective objectors to the planning application by Land and Marine Engineering Ltd. for development of a pipeline assembly yard at Tain, Ross-shire.

Mr. Ancram

When Highland regional council notified the planning application to my right hon. and learned Friend, it enclosed copies of letters objecting to, or expressing concern about, the proposed development from the following organisations and individuals:

  • The Nature Conservancy Council
  • The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
  • The Scottish Wildlife Trust
  • The Highlands and Islands Fishermen's Association (S.G.)
  • The Kyle of Sutherland District Fishery Board
  • The Mammal Society, London
  • The Countryside Commission for Scotland
  • Kestrel Subsea Systems Ltd., Wick
  • Fearn, Seaboard, Tarbat and Nigg Community Council
  • Mrs. B. A. Schofield, Tain
  • Mrs. J. M. S. Durham, Kildary
  • Mrs. M. R. I. Mackenzie, Tain
  • Mr. B. E. R. Brice, Inver, by Tain
  • Mr. A. Martin, Tain
  • Mr. J. J. P. Clokie, Tain
  • Mr. I. J. Munro, Tain
  • Mr. E. W. Granville, Hilton, Ross-shire
  • Mr. M. Connolly, Inver, by Tain
  • Mr. S. A. Wright, Fearn, by Tain
  • Mr. A. E. Sutherland, Fearn, by Tain
  • Mr. D. W. McAllister, Tain
  • Mrs. M. McLaren, Tain