§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many representations he has received about the proposed opencast coal mining and airport plans on Tinsley park in south Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has had any representations from the Sheffield urban development corporation about the proposed opencast coal mine and STOL airport at Tinsley park in south Yorkshire;
(3) how many representations he has received about a public inquiry into the plans for an opencast coal mine and a STOL airport at Tinsley park in south Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChopeMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received 32 representations about the proposed open cast coal mining at Tinsley park, 16 about the proposed airport and seven about possible public inquiries into these proposed developments. No formal representations have been received from the Sheffield development corporation about either proposal.
I understand that planning applications for both developments have recently been considered by the relevant local planning authorities, Sheffield MBC and Rotherham MBC. They have both resolved to refer the airport application to the Secretary of State as a departure from the approved development plan. We shall consider the matter carefully when the full details of the proposal are received.
So far as the application for opencast mining is concerned, I understand that detailed discussions are underway between the parties to establish an acceptable planning framework for open-casting.