HC Deb 21 June 2004 vol 422 cc1235-6W
Janet Anderson

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received on the application by United Utilities and Peel Holdings to erect a windfarm on Scout Moor, between Edenfield and Rochdale, Lancashire; and when he expects to reach a decision on the application. [179528]

Mr. Timms

I have been asked to reply.

No representations have been made. The current position is that the application has to go to a public inquiry and arrangements are currently being made and will be formally announced as soon as it is practicable to do so. It will be for the inspector to report his/her findings and it will be on that report which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will base her decision.

Janet Anderson

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received on the application by Marshalls plc to extend the workings at Scout Moor Quarry, between Edenfield and Rochdale, Lancashire; and when he expects to reach a decision on the application. [179529]

Keith Hill

The application to extend the workings at Scout Moor Quarry is now being dealt with by the First Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on appeal. This is one of five linked appeals. Two of the other four appeals relate to separate applications, made respectively by Marshalls plc and the other joint operator of the existing Scout Moor Quarry, for a review of the conditions applying to existing operations on that quarry. The remaining two appeals, also made separately by each of the joint operators, are against the terms of the Working Rights Notices issued by Lancashire County Council, declaring that restrictions imposed by the conditions determined would not prejudice adversely the working rights of the operators.

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has received 94 pre-inquiry and three post-inquiry representations on these applications from local residents. Since receipt of the Inspector's report to the public inquiry, my Rt. Hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has also received a number of representations from Marshalls plc, the most recent being a letter dated 7 April 2004.

As will be evident, this multiple application is a complex one and has raised a number of issues that have needed investigation. While no guarantee can be given, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister hopes that these can be resolved and that a decision can be issued within two months.