§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the issuing of an article 14 directive by his Department's Leeds office to the City of Wakefield metropolitan district council for the outline planning application for a new stadium for Yorkshire county cricket club at Wakefield; and if he will make a statement on the application by Leeds city council for a proposed new county cricket ground at Aberford. [40984]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordAn article 14 direction was issued to Wakefield metropolitan council on 23 July, preventing the council from granting planning permission for the proposed development at Denby Dale road, Wakefield. The Secretary of State is concerned that planning issues of more than local importance may arise from the proposal and he wishes to consider it having regard to his policy on calling-in planning applications. Further information is awaited from the council to enable the Secretary of State to complete this consideration.
Leeds city council is considering a planning application for a cricket ground at Parlington near Aberford. Should the council be minded to grant planning consent, I understand that the application will be referred to the Secretary of State as a departure from the development plan.