§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Since the publication of the Countryside Commission's Protecting our Finest Countryside: Advice to Government in 1998, whether there have been any applications for major sporting arenas in the South Downs or any other area of outstanding natural beauty; if so, whether they have been called in; and what has been the outcome in each case. [HL4720]
§ Lord RookerThere has been one planning application for a major sporting arena within the South Downs by Brighton Hove Albion Football Club for a community stadium on land north of Village Way, Brighton. Brighton and Hove City Council has resolved to grant planning permission. The application has been referred to the Deputy Prime Minister as a departure from the development plan. The Deputy Prime Minister will consider whether he wishes to call in the application for his own determination. Information on planning applications within all areas of outstanding natural beauty is not held centrally by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.