Northern Development Area (Hansard, 23 July 1999)

§ Ms Glenda Jackson

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes to write to my hon. Friend.

Letter from Peter Nutt to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 23 July 1999: The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Lawrie Haynes, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question. You asked "For what reasons the Highway Agency has agreed to support the plans for the Northern Development Area at the Inquiry called by the Secretary of State; and if he will estimate the Agency's costs of taking part in the Inquiry." I am replying in Lawrie's absence from the office. I must make it clear that the Highways Agency will not be appearing at the Public Inquiry in order to advance a case in support of the grant of permission for the Northern Development Area. We have been called to appear before the Public Inquiry to address just one issue—the implications of the traffic generation from the proposed development, with particular reference to the effects of the A1 trunk road and the local highway network. The Highways Agency's position is that the Northern Development Area will have a significant impact on the operation of the trunk road. However, prior to the Public Inquiry being arranged, the Highways Agency discussed with the developer what improvements to the trunk road would be needed to mitigate the effects of the development. Provided those agreed works are carried out, the Highways Agency has no reason to argue for the withholding of planning permission for the development. On the subject of costs, the Agency has so far spent £26,750 on legal and consultants' fees. We anticipate spending a further £25,000 on such fees by the time the Inquiry is complete. I hope this information is sufficient for your purposes.