HC Deb 13 January 1995 vol 252 cc215-6W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) for what purposes his Department's officials or legal representatives have met with Greenways Landfill or its legal representatives since his decision to refuse planning permission for development of clay extraction, landfilling and restoration at Aveley No. 3 pit; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what were the reasons for his decision to refuse planning permission for development of clay extraction. landfilling and restoration at Aveley No. 3 pit submitted by Greenways Landfill; and if he will make a statement;

(3) who are the representatives of Greenways Landfill that his officials have met since his decision to refuse planning permission for development of clay extraction, landfilling and restoration at Aveley No. 3 pit; and if he will make a statement;

(4) on what occasions his Department's officials, or legal representatives, have met with Greenways Landfill or its legal representatives since his decision to refuse planning permission for development of clay extraction, landfilling and restoration at Aveley No. 3 pit; and if he will make a statement;

(5) for what purposes his Department's officials or legal representatives have corresponded with Greenways Landfill or its legal representatives since his decision to refuse planning permission for development of clay extraction, landfilling and restoration at Aveley No. 3 pit; and if he will make a statement;

(6) if any circumstances have arisen subsequent to his decision to refuse planning permission for development of clay extraction, landfilling and restoration at Aveley No. 3 pit that would cause him to reconsider his decision; and if he will make a statement;

(7) on what occasion his Department's officials or legal representatives have corresponded with Greenways Landfill or its legal representatives since his decision to refuse planning permission for development of clay extraction, landfilling and restoration at Aveley No. 3 pit; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Paul Beresford

The decision of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to refuse planning permission for clay extraction, landfilling and restoration at Aveley No. 3 pit has been quashed by the High Court following a challenge by the applicants, Greenways Landfill. There has been no contact between my officials and Greenways Landfill since the decision was announced in August 1994, although there has been some discussion between the Treasury Solicitor and Greenways' legal representatives over the handling of the High Court challenge. The application must now be redetermined, and we will be writing to interested parties, including the hon. Member for Thurrock, about the next steps. All material considerations, including any changed circumstances and new representations from the parties, will be taken into account.