HC Deb 18 July 1995 vol 263 cc1064-5W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement as to the grounds on which he is allowing evidence that has already been considered or rejected by the inspector in the inquiry concerning the development of the Big Splash site in Mapleton road, Wandsworth SW18, to be reconsidered. [34348]

Mr. Robert B. Jones

It is not unusual for further representations to be made in a planning case after the inquiry is closed. If those representations do no more than repeat issues already addressed at the inquiry, no special action is required. Where new evidence is raised which appears to be material to the case, the principles of natural justice require that the parties to the inquiry have an opportunity of commenting on that evidence before any decision is made.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what date he received the report from the inspector he appointed to hold a public inquiry into Wandsworth council's bid for planning permission to develop the Big Splash site in Mapleton road, Wandsworth, London SW18; when he expects to publish it; and if he will make a statement. [34346]

Mr. Jones

The inspector's report was received on 11 October 1994. The report will be published together with the decision letter. This will be as soon as possible after the parties to the inquiry have had the opportunity of commenting on the new evidence.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many planning inquiries into the use of metropolitan open land new evidence has been allowed after the inquiry has closed. [34347]

Mr. Jones

No central record of such circumstances is kept.