Ian Rowe,
Environmental Protection Officer,
The Environment Agency,
Station Road,
Thirsk. YO7 1PZ

Dear Sir,

Re: Menwith Hill USA National Security Agency Station:
Recent planning proposals: environmental concerns:

Please find enclosed copies of representations made to Harrogate Borough Council's Planning Department in connection with development plans for Menwith Hill.

For some time we have been calling for an Environmental Impact Assessment and a Public Inquiry into the expansion of the Base. Developments are evidently out of the control of any national or local authority. We are particularly concerned about the enclosed plans, which could have consequences for all the people who receive their water supply from Swinsty Reservoir.

All Menwith Hill's recent development plans, submitted as 'Notice of Proposed Development' to Harrogate Planning Department, under the provisions of Department of the Environment Circular 18/84, have been determined by 'delegated legislation' and not put up for consideration by the Council's Area no. 1 Planning Committee.

We have raised the matter with the Secretary of State for Defence. In his reply [enclosed], Adam Ingram, Minister of State for the Armed Forces states: 'With regard to future plans…improvements are understandably required in order to ensure the infrastructure meets modern requirements...'  In  his final paragraph, he states: '…the post exchange facility and the AAFES gas station are properly matters for the Harrogate Borough Council to consider. I am satisfied that all reasonable steps have been taken to mitigate any environmental impact…' This puts the responsibility for investigation of environmental impact onto the local authority.

We are not satisfied that the DoE Circular 18/84 gives the public adequate protection as the local authority evidently fails to address our concerns.

We shall be raising this matter at the meeting of the Menwith Hill Forum on January 10th and would be grateful for a response in time for it to be considered by that meeting.

Yours sincerely,

Anne Lee  pp WoMenwith women