HC Deb 30 January 1992 vol 202 c637W
Mr. Steinberg

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what forms of compensation there are for households in opencast mining areas for the effects of noise, pollution and heavy road traffic.

Mr. Yeo

The planning system provides the basis on which the appropriateness of particular development proposals is assessed, and the effect on the surrounding area will be a material factor in that assessment. Apart from this, it is open to aggrieved people to undertake civil actions for nuisance.