HC Deb 19 July 2004 vol 424 cc11-2W
Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what consultation there is between his Department and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on landfill in expansion areas. [184751]

Keith Hill

There is close working across Government Departments on matters relating to the growth areas, including on the sustainable management of waste.

Mr. Sayeed

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps the Government will be taking to ensure the Review of Old Mineral Permissions is not used to co-locate landfill with development of 4,500 homes at the Wixams, formerly Elstow Garden Villages in Bedfordshire. [184750]

Keith Hill

Mineral planning authorities are required, under provisions in the Environment Act 1995, to undertake initial and periodic reviews of old mineral planning permissions in order to secure improved environmental and operating standards at mineral sites.

It is understood that Bedfordshire county council is currently considering an application for new planning conditions to apply to the restoration of former mineral workings at Elstow South. The hon. Member should make his views on the application known to the authority if he has not already done so.