§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
What amendments they proposes to make to the Town and Country Planning General Development Order following coal privatisation: and what guidance they propose to issue.
§ Viscount UllswaterThe Town and Country Planning General Development Order (Amendment No. 2) Order 1994, which comes into operation on 31st October, provides for permitted development rights for licensees of the Coal Authority to continue underground mining at GDO mines subject to conditions requiring the restoration and aftercare of the pithead surface area. These require the operator to submit a scheme for the restoration and aftercare of the site for the Mineral Planning Authority's approval.
There are also a number of minor technical amendments needed to the GDO, broadly to change references to British Coal to the Coal Authority and to update definitions in line with the Coal Industry Bill.
The guidance note we have published today explains the effect of the changes introduced by the amendment order and gives advice on the preparation and content of restoration schemes. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has made equivalent arrangements.