§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment under what circumstances he will call in a proposal for major development in a national park. [29877]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordBoth within and beyond national parks, planning applications are, in general, called in for decision by my right hon. Friend only if planning issues of more than local importance are involved. He is very selective about calling in applications to determine himself. Such cases may include, for example, those which, in my right hon. friend's opinion, could have wide effects beyond their immediate locality, which give rise to substantial regional or national controversy, which may conflict with national policy on important matters and144W those where the interests of foreign Governments may be involved.
§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, if he will outline Government policy on major development proposals in national parks. [29879]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordSpecial considerations apply to major development proposals in national parks. Such development should not take place in national parks, the Broads and the New Forest heritage area save in exceptional circumstances.
§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment for what reasons it was decided not to call in the planning application for further minerals extraction at Swinden quarry in the Yorkshire dales national park. [29875]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Secretary of State is selective about calling in applications for his determination and will, in general, take this step only if planning issues of more than local importance are involved. Each case must be considered on its individual merits. The decision not to call in the application to extend Swinden quarry, given the site's location in a national park, was taken only after the most careful scrutiny. The Secretary of State decided on the basis of the information before him that the application did not raise issues of more than local importance.
§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the application for development at Swinden quarry was in accordance with the structure plan; and if it was subject to an officer recommendation of refusal. [28878]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Yorkshire dales national park authority considered the application to be contrary to the provisions of the north Yorkshire county structure plan. It was subject to an officer recommendation of refusal.
§ Mr. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many letters he has received requesting him to call in the application for further mineral extraction at Swinden quarry. [29876]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Secretary of State has received 55 letters asking him to call in the application for further mineral extraction at Swinden quarry. In addition a petition was received.