Football Stadium, Falmer (Hansard, 10 May 2004)

§ Norman Baker
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 19 April,Official Report, column 348W, on the football stadium, Falmer, if he will define the nature of representations received following the closure of the inquiry into the proposal for a football stadium at Falmer, East Sussex, which he deems to be relevant in his consideration of the report from his planning inspector. [171513]

§ Keith Hill
The Inspector's report into the applications made by Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club Ltd. for a new stadium at Falmer is currently before the First Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister for decision, which will be made on the basis of all the available evidence. Representations received after the close of the public inquiry will be taken into account, so far as they are relevant, in making that decision. For reasons of procedural propriety, it is not possible to discuss the nature of the post-inquiry representations received. However, it will be clear from the decision letter what matters have been taken into account and the weight that has been accorded to any particular matter.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is currently engaged in a reference back exercise where he is inviting comments from the relevant parties about issues arising since the close of inquiry. Representations made in relation to this exercise will be copied to those parties. Given the hon. Member's interest in the case, copies of the reference back correspondence will be sent to the hon. Member.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will take into account all comments received in making his decision.

§ Norman Baker
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on what date he received the report from his planning inspector into the proposal for a football stadium at Falmer, East Sussex; and for what reasons he has not yet announced his decision. [171540]
103W

§ Keith Hill
The Inspector's report into the applications by Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club Ltd. was received by the First Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 11 December 2003.
A decision has yet to be made because my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is currently engaged in a reference back exercise in relation to this case, which was initiated on 19 March 2004. Comments from the relevant parties about issues arising since the close of inquiry have been invited, specifically representations received about the draft Brighton and Hove Local Plan. It is my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's view that this exercise will enable him to take a more fully informed decision. It should not be read as an indication of my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's attitude to the proposals generally one way or the other.
My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister will take into account all comments received in making a decision on the application. Given the hon. Member's interest in the case, copies of the reference back correspondence will be sent to the hon. Member.