North Yorkshire Power Line

HC Deb 27 January 2000 vol 343 cc292-3W

Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Lackenby to Norton overhead power line will be removed. [107559]

Mrs. Liddell

Although approval for the North Yorkshire Power Line was given in March 1998 there was an error in the consent documentation resulting in a gap in the line of approximately 160 metres. The filling of this gap had to be the subject of a lengthy legal process, including public consultation. Having considered the representations following that consultation, I have concluded, first, that there is no need to hold a public inquiry before making a decision in respect of this gap in the consents for the line, and second, that it is reasonable to grant the National Grid Company consent for the section of line which was not granted on initial consideration in 1998.

While this decision resolves the matter of the "gap", there are still a number of issues to be resolved before the National Grid Company can begin the construction of the new line and the dismantling of the existing one.

Copies of the Press Notice and decision letter are being placed in the Library of the House.