§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received regarding the planning proposals for a multi-screen cinema and leisure park on the site of the former Wearmouth colliery, Trindon street and Dallion New road; when departmental officials last discussed the proposals with (i) the Tyne and Wear development corporation, (ii) Cowies, (iii) Camborough Ltd, (iv) Sunderland local authority, (v) IGP Developments, (vi) Vaux Ltd, and (vii) the Bowie Group; when he expects to make a decision on the planning applications; and if he will make a statement. [35700]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Secretary of State has received one representation about these proposals from agents acting for Cowies. The proposals have been drawn to his attention by the Tyne and Wear development corporation and by reports on the local media. On 21 and 24 June, The Secretary of State issued directions under article 14 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 1995 preventing the local planning authorities, the Tyne and Wear development corporation and Sunderland city council, from determining the applications until he had considered whether or not he should call them in. Copies of the applications and documentation were received by the Government office for the north-east on 21 June and these are being considered at present.
No discussions have taken place between departmental officials and Cowies, Carnborough Ltd, Vaux Ltd or the Bowey Group. Departmental officials have spoken to Sunderland city council once and on several occasions to the Tyne and Wear development corporation, in connection with the application.