HC Deb 25 October 1999 vol 336 c661W
Mr. John D. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) on what date the planning application for a bowling green at The Warren, Cloughey was received by his Department; how many local people have signed a petition in support of this bowling green; when a planning decision will be issued; and if he will make a statement; [94557]

(2) when the planning application for a bowling green at The Warren, Cloughey, Co. Down was submitted; when an environmental and heritage report was requested; when this report will become available; how many persons have signed a petition in support of this project; when the planning decision will be issued; what is the opinion of Ards borough council; and if he will make a statement. [94558]

Mr. George Howarth

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Planning Service under its Chief Executive, Mr. H. S. McKay. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from H. S. McKay to Mr. John D. Taylor, dated 22 October 1999: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about an application for planning permission for a bowling green at The Warren, Cloughy. Ards Borough Council submitted this application on 29 March 1999 and a petition of 1,200 signatures was received in support of the proposal. The Environment and Heritage Service's comments were sought on 19 April and their response, recommending that planning permission be refused, was received on 3 September. The Council was consulted with a preliminary opinion to refuse planning permission on 14 September, at which time it deferred consideration of the proposal for a site meeting that was held on 1 October. The Planning Service now proposes convening a meeting with the Council and the Environment and Heritage Service to discuss possible options for progressing the application. It is not, therefore, possible at this stage to say when a decision will issue. I do hope this is helpful.