§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effect of the plan to double the output of Whatley stone quarry on the immediate environment, the City of Bath's hot springs and on the water supply to Bristol; and if he will make a statement. [7332]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordTwo planning applications for the proposed extension of Whatley quarry were the subject of a public inquiry in the spring of 1992, at which their environmental effects, including those on the Bath hot springs and the water supply to Bristol were considered. The planning applications were subsequently refused by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. A revised planning application for a smaller extension to the quarry is now before my right hon. Friend for him to decide whether to call it in for his own determination following another public inquiry. His decision will be made shortly.
§ Mr. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations his Department has received about plans to increase the size of Whatley stone quarry in Somerset; and if he will make a statement. [7341]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordA planning application for the extension of Whatley quarry is currently before my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for him to decide whether it should be called in for his own determination following a public inquiry. We have received over 500 representations about the proposal from the local authorities, organisations and individuals. Many are objecting to the application or requesting that it be called in; others request that it be left to Somerset county council as planning authority to determine.