§ Ms KellyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for opencast mines in greenbelt areas have(a) been approved, (b) been sent to public inquiry and await determination, (c) been sent to public inquiry and are subject to further evidence having been requested by him following the issue of the minerals planning guidance and (d) have been rejected; and of these, how many in each category have had costs awarded against those opposing the application since May 1997. [114775]
§ Ms Beverley HughesThe information is not available in the form requested.
However, according to the latest statistics produced by the Planning Officers' Society, between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998, 14 applications for opencast coal mining were approved by mineral planning authorities and 13 applications were refused (including three appeal decisions refused by the Secretary of State).
Since May 1997, two appeals have been allowed and nine appeals have been dismissed by the Secretary of State.
At present six appeals await determination, of which five have been to public inquiry. Three of those appeals, which have been to public inquiry, are subject to consideration of further evidence requested by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.
Information on how many of these applications were for sites in greenbelt areas is not readily available and cannot be obtained except at disproportionate cost.
Costs have not been awarded against those opposing the application in any case since May 1997.