§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what date the inspector completed hearing the evidence on the public inquiry appeal regarding the planning matter concerning Churston Galmpton golf club, Torbay; what progress has been made since his answer to the hon. Member for South Hams of 4 April,Official Report, column 144; what are the outstanding causes of delay; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe appeal is being dealt with by an exchange of written representations and no public inquiry was held. An inspector visited the site on 22 August 1988 and his report was submitted to my right hon. Friend on 12 September 1988. On 6 April 1989 my right hon. Friend indicated that he was minded to allow the appeal, subject to comments from the parties about amended highway proposals, submitted by the developer. The reason for delay since then has been the need to consider and exchange further representations about the effect of the development on access to neighbouring properties and about land ownership which must be resolved before the appeal can be determined. I expect the decision to be issued early in the new year.