HC Deb 05 July 1988 vol 136 cc535-6W
Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether Bolton council has ever applied for(a) the convenant on land at Birtenshaw Farm to be confirmed by Act of Parliament and (b) the land to be designated as green belt.

Mr. Waldegrave

Bolton borough council has never asked for the covenant to be confirmed by Act of Parliament. It supported the inclusion of the land in the green belt proposed by the Greater Manchester council in 1981, but, following a local inquiry, that council omitted it in accordance with the inspector's recommendation.

Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received Bolton council's view about the validity of the covenant affecting the land at Birtenshaw Farm; and when he expects to make a decision about its discharge.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. Friend has not received a considered view of the validity of the covenant from the Bolton borough council. He expects to issue his decision shortly.