HC Deb 20 February 1992 vol 204 cc246-7W
Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to announce his decision on current planning applications for golf courses in the Wye valley area of outstanding natural beauty; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

Planning applications for golf courses at Porthcasseg farm, St. Aryan's Chepstow and at Croes Bleddyn farm, Itton, Chepstow were called in for my determination on 7 February. Following receipt of documents from Monmouth borough council, consideration is now being given to holding public local inquiries.

Mr. Edwards

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines are issued to local authority planning departments with regard to development in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

Planning guidance on development in areas of outstanding natural beauty may be found in the following planning policy guidance—PPG—and minerals planning guidance—MPG—notes issued jointly by the Department of the Environment and the Welsh Office:

  • PPG7 "The Countryside and Rural Economy" (paras: 3.8–3.11);
  • MPGI "General Considerations and the Development Plan System" (para: 43);
  • MPG2 "Applications, Permissions and Conditions" (para: 39);
  • MPG3 "Opencast Coal Mining" (para: 14); and
  • MPG6 "Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England and Wales" (para: 20).