§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures are taken to assess the likely environmental impact of quarrying operations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 6 July 1992]: For individual quarrying applications, planning authorities should take account of the likely environmental impact of a particular operation. To assist in this process, we will shortly be issuing for consultation additional guidance covering the assessment and control of quarrying's 273W environmental effects. Regulations already provide that, in coming to their decisions on planning applications, planning authorities should seek from the applicant a formal environmental assessment if there are likely to be significant environmental effects. The results of the environmental assessment will be an important consideration in the determination of an application. Where an application is granted permission, planning authorities have a statutory duty to review periodically the operation of mining sites, including quarrying. We are currently consulting on possible options for strengthening this review procedure.
More generally, research into the environmental impact of quarrying operations has been commissioned by the Government. A research report entitled "Environmental Effects of Surface Mineral Workings" was published earlier this year and will inform the guidance to be issued.